The mother of a 21-year-old Suffolk man who died when his car left the road and a hit a tree has spoken of her sadness at his death.

Samuel Queen, of Lowestoft Road, Reydon, near Southwold, was driving on the A1095 near Blythburgh earlier this month when the accident happened. He suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where he later died.

Family and friends have paid tribute to the former Bungay High School student, who was well known as a volunteer at youth clubs in Halesworth and Wrentham and was a member of the East Coast Bikers motorcycle club.

His mother Connie Cole said: “I have lost my world, my only son, my only child. I lived for him. I miss him a great deal. Our lives are empty. We just expect him to come back through the door at any moment like he used to do. You don’t expect to bury a child.”

Samuel lived with his mother and stepfather, Paddy Cole, at their home in Reydon, having moved to the area from Goole, East Yorkshire, with his mum 10 years ago. He also had a step-sister, Tia Cole, 13.

He was a volunteer at Wrentham Youth Club and the Apollo Youth Club in Halesworth, of which he was a member when younger.

He also liked to ride his 125 Yamaha motorcycle and had recently passed his test.

Mrs Cole said her son had recently secured his dream job as an apprentice chef at The Crown in Southwold, following a catering course at Lowestoft College. She said he was polite, “full of life” and “lived for his friends”.

“He had a bike and spent his weekends on that with the East Coast Bikers,” she added. “Sam was never really in, he was always out with his friends. He was a very social boy and would do anything for anyone. He had a heart of gold.”

Mrs Cole thanked the police, fire service and air ambulance for taking care of her son as well as all who left floral tributes and messages of condolence at the crash site and online. A Bungay High School spokesman said: “Sam’s friendly and kind personality made him popular with many of our younger students who are trying to come to terms with his loss. The members of the school community send their sincere condolences to the family.”

Tyler Torrance, head chef at The Crown, said: “In the short time we knew Sam he fitted very well into our team. He was full of promise and we wish we had the chance to get to know him better. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family.”

The Rev Richard Henderson, vicar at St Margaret’s Parish Church in Reydon, visited Mr and Mrs Cole to offer his support.

He said: “Our hearts go out to Mr Queen’s family and friends and we assure them of our prayers and support. The church is open all the time if people want to find a place to be quiet and remember.”