AN INQUEST has today opened into the death of a “gentle giant” who was killed in a car crash near Callow End.

Steve Hartill, of Low Fold Close, Dines Green, Worcester, died when the BMW he was driving was involved in a collision with a white Mercedes Sprinter van on the B4424 Upton Road, in Clevelode, at about 5pm on Thursday, August 29.

The hearing at Stourport Coroner’s Court into the 30-year-old’s death was adjourned for reports.

Born in Wordsley, near Stourbridge, Mr Hartill, moved to the city aged four, attending Dines Green Primary School and Christopher Whitehead High School.

He later studied animal care at Pershore College and used to keep exotic pets including snakes, bearded dragons and scorpions, and doted on his dog, Boe, who is now being looked after by a friend.

Last week, his sister, Sarah Guy, paid tribute to him.

She said: “He was a big lad, over 6ft tall, but he was the softest and kindest man imaginable, a real gentle giant.

“He had a small, close group of friends, but was also in touch with a lot of people through his love of computer games.

“We have been very touched by the number of tributes that have been posted on his Facebook page."