Police say a post mortem showed Mr Higgins, of Sycamore Way, Market Drayton, had injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle.
He was found on Friday morning on the road verge alongside the A529 near Market Drayton. It’s thought he was struck by a passing vehicle while walking home from work the previous night.
A family tribute issued today by his father Aubrey, mother Zenka, sister Kimberley, brother Brandon and niece Elissa, said they were all devastated.
They said: “Arnie was a top lad and lived life to the full. It was an honour for him to be our son, brother and uncle.
“He idolised us all as we did him. Arnie has now sadly gone but his memories will always live on.
“We would like to say thank you to all our relatives and friends and to all Arnie’s friends. A tribute was held on the marble pitch where lanterns and fireworks were lit.”
The family statement added: “We would also like to thank Graham Brindley and family for providing Arnie with the opportunity to work for them. Fairfields is going to be so empty now without our Arnie.”
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the tragedy and have renewed appeals for any information which might assist.
Mr Higgins had set off from the farm where he worked in the village of Adderley at around 4.45pm on Thursday to walk the few miles home.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, the officer leading the investigation, said: “I am appealing to anyone who travelled along this stretch of the A529 last Thursday between 5pm and 6pm to contact the police by calling 101 if they saw anything of note.”
Shropshire Live is regulated by