A DAD-OF-ONE died of serious internal injuries after losing control of his car and swerving into the path of an oncoming van, a court heard.

Kieron Joslin, who lived with his girlfriend and her parents in Copdoek, Basildon, was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital in a critical condition after his green Fiat Punto collided with a white Renault Kangoo, which was travelling in the opposite direction.

The 26-year-old died later that night due to a brain injury, internal bleeding and damage to his liver and spleen.

He become a father for the first time just seven months before the tragic crash, according to a neighbour.

An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned at Chelmsford Coroner's Court on Friday.

Chief coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said: "The 26-year-old man was driving his vehicle on South Hill and for reasons unknown he lost control of the vehicle and collided with another car.

"A post-mortem examination was carried out on Thursday, May 26, where the cause of death was determined as internal bleeding, brain injury and laceration of the liver and spleen."

Devastated neighbours in Copdoek have rallied around to sign a card and sent flowers to Mr Joslin's heartbroken family.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, described him as a "very nice guy" and "a good dad."

She said: "It has come has such a shock because he only had his baby in October, his baby would only be about seven months old.

"He was so young and he was just starting a family with his girlfriend - it's so sad.

"He seemed like a very good dad. He was a very nice guy, he would always say hello."

Following his death, Kieron’s family launched a fundraising page to pay for his funeral.

They also want to raise cash to support his young child in the future.

More than £1,700 has been raised so far.

Thurrock Council, responsible for the stretch of road where the crash took place, told the Echo the speed limit on South Hill will be slashed from 60mph to 50mph later this year in the wake of a string of serious crashes.

Mr Joslin's inquest was adjourned and listed for mention on Monday, July 11 for the results of a toxicology test.

A full inquest has been listed for Wednesday, August 24.