A footballer who died following a car crash near Norwich had everything to live for with a new girlfriend and job, an inquest heard.

Liam Still, 21, a goalkeeper for both Wroxham Reserves FC and Riverside Rovers, was injured after the blue Vauxhall Corsa he was driving left the B1108 Watton Road, at Bawburgh, and collided with a tree.

The accident happened at around 5.15am on Saturday, May 19 as he was travelling towards his home in St Margaret's Drive, Sprowston.

Mr Still, nicknamed 'Stillo', was initially treated at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital but was transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge where he died on May 24.

Yesterday's Norwich inquest was told that Mr Still left his new girlfriend, Alesha Appleton's home in Watton at about 4.40am on May 19 to drive home.

Collision investigator Pc Paul Cant said he failed to negotiate a left hand bend and lost control of his car, which collided with a tree.

He said there was no obvious reason for the loss of control but added that it was probably a combination of several factors, including the facts that he was a newly qualified driver, had had little sleep, and that the road was damp. The inquest also heard that Mr Still was driving a little too quickly for the road conditions.

Mr Still's family said in tribute earlier in the year that his organs had been donated and they took comfort from the fact he would help others.

Both of Mr Still's kidneys have been used and his heart valves are on ice waiting for donors – most likely to be newborn babies.

The family also set up the Liam Still Foundation to support various charities and initiatives that benefit young people, particularly in sporting activities.

Family friend Michael Pearce said after the inquest: 'The family would like to say that the whole event has been extremely tragic and traumatic.

'They have taken a great deal of comfort from the fact that Liam was an organ donor, and that others are having a chance of life due to his generosity and foresight. The Liam Still Foundation has also been established and that will offer young people opportunities and chances in their lives.

'The family would also like to thank those who have helped along this tragic journey, the witnesses to the collision, and most especially, those who have assisted in raising money for the Liam Still Foundation. He has left a big hole in many people's lives.'

Norfolk coroner William Armstrong recorded a verdict of death as a result of a road traffic collision.

Summing up, he said: 'It appears that everything was going so well for him with a new job as a bank cashier and girlfriend. He had everything to live for.'

david.bale2@archant.co.uk