A DAD-of-one with ‘the biggest heart’ died when he lost control of his car and crashed on a Blackburn dual carriageway, an inquest heard.

Connor Rowe, 27, of Brownhill Drive, died after crashing his Nissan Qashqai in Yew Tree Drive around 11.50pm on August 11 on his way home from the pub.

Coroner Richard Taylor, sitting at Preston Coroners Court, said tests taken after Mr Rowe’s death showed he was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine.

Mr Rowe’s family paid tribute to him on a GoFundMe page to raise funds for his funeral and to support his fiancee and young daughter. The page has passed its £5,000 target.

They said: “On August 12 our family received the devastating news of the passing our much-loved son, brother, fiancé and daddy Connor Rowe, aged only 27, had unfortunately passed away.

“In his life he was full of energy, had the biggest heart imaginable and was life and soul of the party.

“The news of his passing has devastated the entire family.

“He leaves behind a daughter and partner and we also would like to contribute to their future.”

The inquest heard that a pathologist's report said Mr Rowe's blood and urine samples showed “profound alcohol intoxication” and “also evidence of cocaine misuse.”

A statement read out at the inquest from a witness said he had seen Mr Rowe’s car being driven erratically and was concerned after seeing him go through a red light, nearly crashing into oncoming traffic, causing the witness to change his route.

When the witness drove onto Yew Tree Drive he saw the debris from the crash and Mr Rowe’s car in some bushes.

A passenger in his car called an ambulance and police while the driver tried to perform first aid on Mr Rowe.

The inquest was told when emergency services arrived they confirmed he had died at the scene.

Mr Taylor concluded: “Connor Patrick Alan Rowe died from injuries sustained whilst under the influence of alcohol and cocaine and not wearing a seatbelt.

“He lost control of the vehicle he was driving from which he was ejected."