TRIBUTES have been paid to an Urmston junior football coach who was killed in a crash on the M62 after being in collision with an HGV.

The tragedy happened between Junctions 36 and 37 of the M62 motorway, near Goole, at 9.30am on Tuesday, April 3.

Nigel Stuart Eley, aged 41, from Urmston, was pronounced dead at the scene following the incident, which occurred between Junctions 36 and 37 near Goole.

Humberside Police said a lorry carrying a static caravan westbound went through the central reservation and collided with a black Lexus car travelling eastbound.

Mr Eley, who was driving the Lexus, was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement, Humberside Police said: “Mr Eley’s family are being supported by specialist officers.”

A 37-year-old man who was the passenger in the Lexus remains in hospital “in a serious condition”, according to police this week.

The police spokesman added: “The 22-year-old driver of the HGV has been discharged from hospital and he has since spoken with officers.”

Mr Eley’s was well known for his coaching role for AFC Urmston Meadowside’s under-nines team.

AFC Urmston Meadowside said last week: “We are asking all our teams and their opposition this weekend to join us in a minute’s applause before kick-off as a mark of respect to Nigel in recognising his contribution to our club and grassroots football. Nigel will be missed by us all.”

The Manchester FA posted on Facebook: “It is with great sadness to inform you that Nigel Eley was involved in a tragic accident on Tuesday where he lost his life.

“Nigel was a dedicated under-nines coach at AFC Urmston Meadowside and the club have asked for us to share the below message.

“Our sincere condolences go to his family and everyone who knew him in grassroots.”

Mr Eley, was the owner and director of a Manchester fashion firm Northern Lights Agency.

Friends and associates took to social media to pay tribute to Mr Eley.

Brookes51 said: “All I can say in that Nige was an honest, amazing, funny, charming guy. He was on his way to see us so this makes me feel worse. My condolences to his friends and family.”

Xouxha said: “I’ve known Nigel only for a few months and he was a wonderful person very friendly and charming . As described ‘a true gentleman’. A terrible loss as two young boys are without a father and a wife has lost her happiness. Our hearts go out to all his family.”

Trafford FC said on Twitter: “Our sincere condolences go out to our good friends & neighbours @urmstonmeds on the sad news of the death of U9’s coach Nigel Eley who died in a tragic accident on Tuesday. We extend our sympathies to his family & friends”

A Humberside Police spokesman added: “We have already had a lot of witnesses who have contacted us regarding this incident, but we are still appealing for information. If you can help please call 101 quoting log 106 of 3/4/18.”