THE sporting community is today mourning the loss of a talented young football player who died on a road less than a mile from his home.

Ross Crouch, 23, of School Road, Lawford, was walking home after a night out in Brantham when he was involved in a collision with a car yesterday at about 12.30am.

Ross, described as a talented young football player by fellow team-members, was central defender and club captain at Stanway Rovers, in Colchester.

Friends and family have been left shocked and devastated by the news of his death.

Ross had been out with friends in Brantham.

After saying goodbye, he began walking to his home in School Lane, Lawford.

At about 12.30am yesterday he was involved in a collision with an Audi A3 car on the A137 at Cox's Hill, Lawford.

The car driver, a 34-year-old local man, was uninjured.

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