A NEW dad died when his car crashed into trees just a mile from his home, an inquest heard.

Jason Dollard was killed when his black BMW Series 3 left the road at the roundabout at the junction of the A3057 and M271 between Southampton and Romsey.

Firefighters battled to cut Mr Dollard free from the wreckage of his car – but he was pronounced dead soon after at Southampton General Hospital, Southampton Coroner’s court heard.

Mr Dollard, 30, a self-employed gas engineer of Greenwood Avenue, Rownhams, had been returning home to his partner of six years, Carolyn Fisher, 31, and their new baby, Isla.

A police investigation of the accident, which happened on August 6 at about 8.30pm, could not work out the speed before the crash because there were no skid marks.

No faults were found with his car and no other car was involved.

Coroner Keith Wiseman recorded a verdict of accidental death, He said: “Jason was a young man with his life ahead of him and this is a terrible tragedy for all concerned – it must have been difficult to deal with in the last few months.”

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Carolyn said: “It has completely turned my life upside down. He had so much to look forward to. He was at such a happy point in his life.

“He was really full of life, living life for the moment.

“It is the worst thing that could have happened but I have my baby so I have to keep on going. As a family we are pulling together.”