A 27-YEAR-OLD pedestrian killed in a crash on a Suffolk road was last night remembered as a popular sportsman who loved life.Stuart Fulton, of Stratford St Mary, near Dedham, died in a collision with a lorry on the A12, just north of his home village, at about 11.

A 27-YEAR-OLD pedestrian killed in a crash on a Suffolk road was last night remembered as a popular sportsman who loved life.

Stuart Fulton, of Stratford St Mary, near Dedham, died in a collision with a lorry on the A12, just north of his home village, at about 11.30pm on May 5.

Last night, his father, Brian, speaking on behalf of his family, paid tribute to his much-loved son.

He said: “His death has come as a total shock to his family and friends, both locally and worldwide.

“He was well known and popular in the local area as a happy go lucky lad with a completely laid back attitude to life.

“But at the same time, he had a caring side to his personality and was happy to have a chat with anyone young or old.

“Apart from playing football, he spent most of his time socialising in the local pubs, which he regarded as second homes.”

Stuart, born on May 29, 1978, in Dovercourt, near Harwich, lived in the Suffolk and Essex area for most of his life.

As a teenager he attended East Bergholt High School, before moving to Sri Lanka, where he lived and studied from 1992 to 1996 while his father worked for the United Nations.

Mr Fulton said: “This broadened Stuart's horizons and he made many friends of diverse nationalities and backgrounds and travelled to several countries in Asia.”

He added: “Stuart really loved football. It was his abiding passion. While in Asia, he captained his school team in tournaments in India and Pakistan.

“In recent years he played for Dedham Old Boys FC and on Sundays for Kendall Rovers - where he was recently voted 'Players Player of the Year'. He was well regarded as an honest, enthusiastic player by all his team-mates.”

Stuart, who worked for several years as a landscape gardener and fencer, recently visited his parents in Africa along with sister, Nicolette.

Mr Fulton said: “They have fond memories of his love for being in the African bush and seeing the wide variety of wild animals in their natural environment.”

His funeral will take place next Friday at Stratford St Mary Church at 2 pm.

Mr Fulton added: “Following the service and burial there will be a get together in the Anchor Inn at Stratford St. Mary - he wouldn't have wanted it any other way.”

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Anyone with information is asked to call Suffolk police on 01473 613500.