A driver died when a car hit the back of his vehicle while he was sitting in traffic, a coroner said.

Technology expert Norman Case was fatally injured on the A12 at Kelvedon, Essex, on October 22.

A former colleague told the BBC the 58-year-old, from Tolleshunt Major, was “one of a kind, a real gentleman”.

A 21-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving remained under investigation, police said.

A brief inquest at Essex Coroner’s Court was told Mr Case died at the scene as a result of a road traffic collision.

He was sitting in traffic in the northbound lane when a vehicle collided with the back of his Volkswagen Polo at 09:30 BST, Coroner Michelle Brown said.

“(The car) failed to stop for stationary traffic, colliding with the rear of his vehicle, causing it to collide with a vehicle in front,” Ms Brown added.

She said the court was awaiting histology and toxicology reports before Mr Case’s cause of death could be determined.

Mr. Case worked in the broadcasting industry for more than 20 years, his former colleague said.

“(He was) someone who warmed every room with his presence and made every engagement feel special,” they told the BBC anonymously.

“He will be deeply missed by those lucky enough to call him friend and we are devastated by the loss for his beautiful family.”

The A12 was closed for several hours, initially in both directions, between Kelvedon and Feering after the collision.

It was fully reopened at 3pm after the air ambulance left the scene.

Ms Brown suspended an inquest into Mr Case’s death to allow the police investigation to continue.