Tributes have been paid to a ‘well respected, loyal and friendly’ member of Sidmouth Town Football Club who died this week in a tractor accident near Newton Poppleford.

Kevin Dorman, 25, has been described by the club as a fine player and prolific goal scorer, with a reputation for competitiveness and a will to win. He died on Monday when his tractor was crushed by a trailer being towed behind, according to police accident investigators.

Andy Argyle, secretary at Sidmouth Town AFC, said the whole club was saddened to hear the news of his death.

He added: “[Kevin] was well respected at the club. He always turned up for training, followed team orders and displayed great loyalty towards his teammates. Even when he was injured he was always around the club on match days lending support and enjoying the atmosphere and camaraderie.

“Kevin was a true ‘Viking’ and his presence, loyalty, friendship and humour will be sorely missed by all.”

The former Sidmouth College student was described by principal Kenny Duncan as a pleasant and friendly young man who was particularly remembered for his skills on the football pitch.

Mr Duncan added: “Although he left here some time ago, his death has come as a shock to our community and we would like to express our sincere condolences to his family, friends and all in our community who remember him.”

The Sidmouth resident had worked for Clinton Devon Estates for a year, and John Varley, Estates Director, said that news of his death had left colleagues ‘absolutely devastated’.

He added: “Kevin was an extremely hard working and well regarded team member.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with all Kevin’s family and friends at this dreadful time.”

Police, the fire service and paramedics from both the air and land ambulances attended the incident at 1.50pm on Pinn Lane between Northmosland, Newton Poppleford and Otterton.

Sergeant Nick Bloomfield, senior crash investigator with the Serious Collisions Unit in Exeter, said that the tractor was towing a six to seven ton trailer full of grass cuttings when it dropped from an elevated field in to the narrow lane near Houghton Farm.

He said: “Instead of turning right and following the track out of the field, the tractor carried straight on and dropped down about 12 feet on to the road.

“The trailer ended up on top of the tractor and trapped the driver.”

The road remained closed for more than 10 hours while crash investigators and forensic officers were at the scene.

Sgt Bloomfield added that he was working alongside the health and safety executive and other colleagues within the police to establish exactly what happened.

Police have requested that anyone who witnessed the incident call 101 and quote log number 330/19.