Family and friends are remembering a Greenwich man, who was killed in a car accident Friday, for the way he inspired others to lose weight and live healthy.

Authorities say John Zumbo died when his SUV collided with a tractor-trailer in Harrison, New York. Zumbo?s girlfriend Kristina Johanson says their romance was a fairy tale. Johanson also says she was 60 pounds overweight, but Zumbo helped her lose the weight. Zumbo, who was nicknamed Jumbo, weighed close to 280 pounds in high school. He told News 12 Connecticut in April that he lost the weight through determination and will power. Zumbo went on to become a fitness trainer and helped others shed unwanted pounds.

Zumbo?s funeral is planned for Tuesday. A scholarship fund is being set up in his name.