A beloved son who “created many memories” made his mark on life.

Those were among the tributes paid to James Huntington at an inquest into his death.

Mr Huntington, 25, from Wigton, died instantly after crashing into a lorry parked in a layby on the Stainburn bypass, near Workington, on October 22 last year.

Area coroner Kirsty Gomersal described him as “a much-loved son, brother and friend to many”.

“He was bright, intelligent, quick-witted and intrigued by the world. It’s clear he relished being a big brother,” she said.

“He was a talented rugby player, a committed and loyal employee who worked hard and played hard. He created many memories in his short life.”

Mr Huntington was a grade A student at Nelson Thomlinson School who went on to get a Masters in chemistry from Hull University. He was working for Enterprise Rent-a-Car in Workington when he died.

His parents, Anthony and Gillian, were at the inquest in Cockermouth.

Mr Huntington said: “He was absolutely adored by us. He had an enduring sense of loyalty, a bright smile and easy laugh. He was a true friend and great mate.”

Ms Gomersal told them: “I’m so sorry you have lost such a fantastic wonderful character.

“He clearly made his mark and lives on in the generous donations he made as a blood and bone marrow donor.

“I cannot contemplate the horrors you as a family have gone through since James died.”

The inquest heard that he had been on the phone to Danielle Armstrong early that morning as he drove to work.

In a statement, Miss Armstrong said Mr Huntington rang back. “He said: ‘I’m really sorry, I have got to do this. I love you.’ and then I heard a muffled sound.”

A driver and passenger on the road at the time said Mr Huntington had overtaken them at high speed, more than 100mph, before swerving and regaining control, then driving into the HGV. He showed no signs of trying to slow down, they said.

PC Craig Irving, from the collision investigation unit, said the road conditions were good and there was no evidence on the carriageway to indicate the vehicle was out of control.

He said the swerving which witnesses had seen may have been as a result of driving over the central white lines.

“Usually with a loss of control there would be a reaction from the driver to try and correct what’s happening. That would involve steering or braking which would give indications on the road surface. There were none,” he said.

Ms Gomersal said: “Even without Miss Armstrong’s evidence all evidence points to this being a deliberate act.

“My conclusion is that he died as a result of suicide.”

The inquest heard that Mr Huntington died as a result of traumatic thoracic aortic dissection.