LOVING tributes have been paid to a well-known chef who was killed after losing control of his car.

LOVING tributes have been paid to a well-known chef who was killed after losing control of his car.

Maxwell Dougal, 33, from Halesworth, was driving along the A144 near Bramfield on Wednesday morning when he hit a tree.

Mr Dougal's employer Ruth Watson, restaurateur, writer and television presenter and proprietor of the award winning Crown and Castle in Orford, described the 33-year-old as an “excellent chef” and “one of the sweetest, loveliest men she had ever met”.

Mrs Watson said: “He was the sweetest, most wonderful man, an excellent chef and we will all miss him so very, very much. We are all completely devastated.

“I have known Max since he was 17 and worked with him for 11 years, he joined us at the Fox and Goose in Fressingfield and stayed on there before joining us here in Orford where he worked as our head chef for six years.

“He was the loveliest, kindest person. He was so very special and will be sorely missed by us all.”

In a statement Mr Dougal's family said: “Max was loving and fun. No one ever had a bad word to say about him. He was loved by everyone who knew him. He loved the outdoor life and his two dogs.

“Max leaves behind his wife Melissa, who he has been with for fourteen years; his brother Scott and his dad, George.

“He will be sadly missed by all.”

Mr Dougal, who was driving a red Toyota Yaris, was declared dead at the scene, a quarter of a mile north of Bramfield. It is thought he was travelling from the Halesworth direction to the A12.

The road was closed when emergency services arrived shortly after 9.35am, and re-opened at 1pm.

Anyone who witnessed the incident should contact Suffolk police on 01473 613500.