Young footballer's death an accident

A RISING teenage football star died after his car crashed into the back of a parked road maintenance van "for no apparent reason", an inquest has heard.

Greater Suffolk coroner Dr Peter Dean yesterday recorded a verdict of accidental death on A-Level student Marc Lucchi, 18, who was killed this March after an accident on the A14 near Bury St Edmunds.

The young football star who played for Bury Town, Needham Market and was a member of the Bury Football School, suffered serious head injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at hospital.

The hearing was told how the accident happened at around 11.45am on March 13, at a layby between the Bury east and central interchanges on the A14.

The maintenance van stopped in the layby and shortly after a Toyota Corolla driven by Mr Lucchi veered straight into the back of it.

A statement from road worker Paul St John Hudson said he had parked his transit van in the layby to pick up and move signs that had previously been placed on the road.

He said: "As I crossed the carriageway I heard a bang, I turned around and saw the back of the van in the air, with a car into the back of it."

Lorry driver Nicholas Riches, who witnessed the accident said: "The car seemed to veer into the back of the van for no apparent reason."

A police investigation revealed neither car had any defects and it had seemed Mr Lucchi was driving at a speed similar to other cars on the road. Flashing beacons had also been placed beside the maintenance van.

After the verdict Mr Lucchi's father Robbie said he was pleased with the way the inquest was handled and said he now wanted to try and put his life back together.

Mr Lucchi, who lived at Jermyn Avenue, Bury, was taking an A-level business studies course at West Suffolk College at the time of his death. As well as dreaming of playing professional football, Mr Lucchi also hoped to become an accountant.

It is believed Bury Town Football Club is holding a match in his honour on August 18.