Inquest into death of ‘local legend’ Callum
AN INQUEST has opened into the death of a young Leicestershire football coach who was killed in a car crash.
Callum Payne, pictured, from Sileby, died after his Nissan Qashqai collided with a tree as he was driving through the village of Sutton Bonington, in Nottinghamshire.
The 21-year-old’s provisional cause of death was given as “multiple injuries” during a short hearing at Nottingham Coroner’s Court on Tuesday.
The inquest was formally opened into Mr Payne’s death by Gordon Clow, assistant coroner for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Callum was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which happened at about 11.20pm on Saturday, May 14. Mr Clow said Callum was formally identified at the Queen’s Medical Centre mortuary, in Nottingham, the following day.
The coroner said a post-mortem had been carried out and the provisional cause of death was recorded as being from “multiple injuries”.
He added that he had now opened an inquest and the hearing was adjourned for further inquiries to be resumed on a date to be fixed.
A front-seat passenger, aged 20, was also hurt in the crash, but it is understood that their injuries are not life-threatening.
Speaking to the Leicester Mercury in the wake of their son’s death, Mr Payne’s parents had described him as a local “legend”.
An avid footballer, he played for over 16 clubs across the county and his parents said he touched lives wherever he went.
His heartbroken mum and dad said: “We lived our lives for our boy and we’re amazed by the amount of tributes people from across the county and beyond have paid.
“We didn’t truly realise just how loved he was by everyone and how many people he has impacted in his short life.”
A huge legacy is left behind at Sileby FC Juniors team where Callum played since he was just six years old.
Callum had dreams of becoming a professional footballer in his younger years but as time went on, he dedicated himself to coaching instead.
He wanted to give back to the community and support younger players just as he had been supported in his early years.
A Nottinghamshire Police appeal continues over the fatal crash
Sergeant Mark Baker, of the force’s serious collision investigation unit, said: “This was a tragic loss of a young life and our thoughts are with his family.
“I am very keen to hear from anyone who either witnessed this incident or who may have been driving in the area and captured it on dash-cam footage.
“Our inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the collision are ongoing and any information, no matter how small, could assist our investigation. If you can help please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any dashcam footage, is asked to call the 101 police number and ask for Nottinghamshire Police.
Alternatively, they can contact crash investigators using the neighbouring force’s website.