A FORMER Colchester United player was lying drunk in the road when he was struck and killed by a car, an inquest heard today.

James Hore

A FORMER Colchester United player was lying drunk in the road when he was struck and killed by a car, an inquest heard today.

Ross Crouch, of Lawford, had enjoyed a day of drinking beer with football team mates before heading home with friend Lewis Symes in May 2008.

Shortly after saying goodnight Ross was seen “staggering from side to side” by driver Emma Burrell who then saw him fall to the ground.

Shortly afterwards Daniel Hinkins drove up Cox's Hill in Lawford, and ran over the 23-year old trainee bricklayer.

Ross was rushed to Colchester General Hospital, but died from his injuries on May 19.

Traffic investigator PC Duncan Thurlwell told the inquest in Chelmsford there was nothing that Mr Hinkins could have done to avoid Ross, who was about two-and-a-half times the legal drink-drive limit.

Deputy assistant coroner Eleanor McGann recorded a verdict of accidental death at the hearing today.