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The parents of James McLaren have paid tribute to the talented journalist who died in a collision on the M48.

The 34-year old from Cardiff, died in a collision between Magor and Chepstow at approximately 10.20am on Monday. It's believed Mr McLaren, who ran a blog on music for BBC Wales and had been writing about Welsh music for almost 15 years, was outside his car when the collision occurred.

In a statement, his parents said: “Our son James McLaren, who has died in a tragic accident at the age of 34, was greatly loved and will be greatly missed both by his devastated family and his many friends.

“On Flickr, where he shared his wonderful and wide ranging photos, he described himself as a "music and F1 geek", but he had many other enthusiasms - his friends, his dogs, journalism, ornithology, history and Warhammer gaming.

“He'd been an active and happy resident of Cardiff since 1996, when he moved to the city as a student. He was involved in music, journalism and music journalism from his first arrival. However he still had many connections in Worcestershire, and particularly Evesham, where he attended Prince Henry's High School.

“All those close to him loved him deeply and we would wish he had been with us for many more years, but those years he had were busy, useful and lived to the full.”

Twitter tributes to Mr McLaren poured in yesterday upon the news of his death.

The Welsh Music Foundation said: "We at Welsh Music Foundation are shocked and saddened to hear of the death of James McLaren.

"James was one of the original WMF team - creating, editing and managing our monthly newsletter 'Sound Nation'. His passion poured out of every issue, and with his energy, skill and enthusiasm he quickly became a popular figure in the Welsh music industry.

"When he moved on to work for BBC Wales he continued to promote the music in Wales that he cared so much for. He remained a close friend of WMF, working with us on many projects, most memorably a wonderful Q&A with The Blackout in their hometown at last year's Merthyr Rock festival.

"In that session James' knowledge and passion for the subject, coupled with his camaraderie with the band, and his desire to excite all those watching, was an inspiration for all. It's a memory we will treasure of a man who we will miss enormously.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Media Wales arts correspondent David Owens said: "James McLaren was a brilliant journalist and a tireless champion of the Welsh music scene. He was someone who I admired and respected greatly.

"He was also a man who put his heart and soul into spreading music from Wales to the masses firstly as editor of Sound Nation magazine then latterly building BBC Wales’ hugely impressive music site and blog.

"Originally known as Honk, Sound Nation ran monthly between April 2001 and December 2005, during which time it was Wales' only national music magazine.

"Under James’ expert stewardship it acted as a vital part of the Welsh Music Foundation's larger support-system for the development of a commercially viable Welsh music industry aiding the growth of SMEs, organisations and entrepreneurs, as well as being a must read for those of us who loved Welsh music.

"James’ BBC Wales blog was similarly a vital stopping off point for music fans, not only for the sheer volume of information, but for the offbeat stories and quirky gems he would unearth from Welsh music’s dusty past.

"His knowledge was staggering and his enthusiasm undeniable.

"At all times his intelligence and his good humour shone through. He was a gentleman who will be sadly missed by all of those lucky to have known him.

"RIP James."

Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens said he was "sorry and saddened" to hear of Mr McLaren's death and fellow BBC DJ Bethan Elfyn wrote: "RIP James".

BBC Cymru Wales director, Rhodri Talfan Davies, said: "James was a talented Assistant Producer who joined BBC Wales six years ago. Most recently he worked on the successful launch of the new BBC Wales homepage and many of you will know him through his inspiring commitment to and support for Welsh music.

"His regular blogs on Welsh music for our online services showed a real love for his subject, an encyclopaedic knowledge, and a deep commitment to support new talent.

"I know that his lively personality, his inimitable sense of humour and his prodigious talents will be sadly missed by all those who worked with him.

"Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues and friends at this difficult time."

Kerrang! editor James McMahon said: "RIP James, a true friend of Kerrang!" before adding later that the news had "slayed" him.

The South Wales band Bedford Falls said: "James McLaren was a great friend to this band and to the Welsh music scene in general and will be greatly missed."

If anyone has any information about the collision they are asked to call Gwent Police Collision Investigation Unit on 01633 642404.