HUNDREDS of people were due to gather today to pay their respects to a talented young footballer killed in a road accident.Ross Crouch, 23, from Lawford, died on Monday after he was involved in a collision with a car as he made his way home following a football tour in Prague.
HUNDREDS of people were due to gather today to pay their respects to a talented young footballer killed in a road accident.
Ross Crouch, 23, from Lawford, died on Monday after he was involved in a collision with a car as he made his way home following a football tour in Prague.
The former Colchester United professional was involved in a collision with an Audi A3 as he walked along the A137 at Cox's Hill.
A memorial game scheduled for today at 1pm at School Lane, Lawford, held in memory of former Lawford Lads player Darren 'Daz' Hawkins who died from leukaemia in 2004, will feature a minute's silence for Ross Crouch prior to kick-off.
The game will be played between the Lawford Lads under 18s team from the 2003/04 season, which Darren Hawkins was a member of, and Ross Crouch's Sunday team, Brantham Colts.
John O'Mara, secretary of Lawford Lads, said it would be an emotional occasion.
“Ross used to train the Lawford Lads on a Wednesday night so there is a very close connection and he used to play for Lawford juniors.
“We were contemplating calling the game off but we got in contact with Brantham Colts and they really wanted it to go ahead.
“We are expecting a huge crowd. It is going to be quite an emotional start to the afternoon.”
Meanwhile fresh tributes have been paid to Mr Crouch with bunches of flowers, messages of condolence and football shirts being left at the spot where the footballer, who also played for Stanway Rovers, was killed.
One read: “It was a pleasure knowing you mate, I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that you will be missed by all that knew you and that cheeky smile.
Another read: “To a friend and lovely character, words are hard to put down on paper but one thing's for sure, you will never be forgotten.”
Would you like to pay tribute to Mr Crouch? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here