Groom's tribute to "five beautiful friends"

LONDON, May 9 (Reuters) A groom has paid tribute to the ''five beautiful friends'' who died in a crash on a motorway on their way home from his stag party.

James Forrer said he and his fiancee had not yet decided whether to postpone the wedding after Monday's accident on the M25 in Surrey.

Five members of the party travelling in a breakdown recovery vehicle were killed in a collision with a lorry.

''Some had known each other for many years, others had met only two days earlier,'' Forrer said in a statement. ''Everyone who knew them has been inconsolable.

''I am so grateful that we were all able to share a terrific weekend's celebration that was filled with laughter.

''Coming to terms with a loss of such magnitude will require much time and energy and the warmth and love of all of the families and friends involved.'' The crash victims were named as: Andrew Graney, 29; musician Jonathan Chandler, 23; Doctor Matthew O'Donnell, 30, and Christopher Janaway, 28, also a doctor. A fifth victim and the the recovery vehicle driver, who was also killed in the collision, have yet to be named.

Chandler was a member of the rock band Mojo Fins, whose debut single was due to be released this month. A message on their MySpace Web page said: ''Words can't express the sadness.'' Janaway's family said he was a warm-hearted and popular doctor who loved travelling, fishing and rock climbing with friends in Scotland.

''The whole family is devastated by the loss of a wonderful son, brother and great friend,'' they said in a statement.

The 13-strong party was returning from Leicestershire to the Brighton area when their minibus broke down on the M1 motorway.

Seven were taken home in a people carrier and six others travelled in the cab of the recovery vehicle.

Surrey Police said it was too early to say what caused the crash, one of the worst in the history of the M25.

Reuters AM DS1332