A POPULAR local rugby player suffered fatal injuries last Saturday when the car in which he was travelling crashed into a tree.

Trevor Coates, 23, of Brompton Regis, died after the incident on the B3227 near Blackerton Cross, East Anstey, when a silver Volkswagen Bora appeared ‘to have lost control on a bend’ before hitting the tree at about 5.20pm.

He was a key member of Wiveliscombe RFC and had previously played for Minehead Barbarians. Yesterday (Thursday) a spokesman for the Minehead club said: “A wonderful young man. Our condolences and our thoughts go to Trevor’s family, friends and all at Wiveliscombe RFC. Trevor will be sadly missed but never forgotten.”

This was echoed by a Wiveliscombe club spokesman who said: “A friend to all members of the club, Trev would light up the clubhouse with his infectious grin and all-round sunny disposition.

“He was a ‘one of a kind’ player, who had the ability to completely change a game, and it wasn’t uncommon to see him bursting from the back of a lineout through many defenders – and even carrying a couple along the way!

“Off the pitch, he brought just as much joy to members of the club. We are all lucky to have shared many good times and will remember him fondly.”

A Devon and Cornwall police spokesman said no-one else was injured in the crash. He added: “Specialist roads policing officers, as well as local officers, attended the collision scene, along with colleagues from the ambulance and fire service. The road was closed in both directions for several hours while a forensic collision investigation took place.

“Any witnesses to the accident, who have not already spoken to the police, is asked to contact us on 101 quoting log number 633 of 05/12/2020, especially if they have any dashcam footage.

“We would like to thank members of the public for their patience while we investigated the scene, and pass on our sincere condolences to the family and friends.”