A man in his 20s who was killed in a crash near Gillingham has been named as Aiden Lowe.
Emergency services were called just before midnight last night following reports a white BMW – which was travelling on the A143 in the direction of Great Yarmouth – had left the road and was in collision with a tree.
Police confirmed the driver died at the scene.
Mr Lowe was a former Beccles Sir John Leman High School pupil and a footballer for Bungay Town FC.
In a tribute, club chairman Jon Fuller said: “It was with great sadness we heard this morning of the death of Aiden
Lowe in a car accident on Sunday night.
“Tragedy is an overused word but in this case there are very few other words that can convey the profound effect this news has had on all those who knew him and his family.
“Aiden had been a valued member of Bungay Town FC in recent years and despite seasons playing at Kirkley and his recent transfer to Beccles Caxton we always viewed him as part of the Bungay family who would return home eventually.
“He was a very good player, one who always gave 100pc, a fully committed club member playing both Saturdays and Sundays and contributing hugely to the success of the club in recent seasons; but more importantly Aiden was a fine young man and a credit to his family.
“All the Bungay club members would like to express their sincere condolences to his parents, his brothers and other family; Aiden will be greatly missed but not forgotten.”
Other members of the football community have taken to Twitter to pay their respects.
Norfolk County FA posted: “Everyone’s thoughts here at Norfolk FA are with Aiden, his family and those at Bungay Town FC at this sad time.”
Referee Rob Emery said: “I’m so sorry - a fine man, a pleasure to be on the same pitch as him when refereeing, and a very great loss for the whole of local football.”
The road was closed while police, the ambulance service and firefighters from Loddon, Gorleston and Beccles attended the scene.
The road was reopened shortly before 5am.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or anyone who may have seen the driving manner of the vehicle prior to the incident, is asked to contact Acle Roads Policing Team on 101.
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