A MAN who died in a car crash on the A1(M) on Wednesday has been named locally as John Hare.

Mr Hare, known to friends as “Big John”, passed away after his car flipped on the motorway on Wednesday afternoon. Despite efforts by paramedics to save his life, the 42-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Hare, who was from Hitchin, was well known locally, and ran Hitchin Town Football Club’s Canary Club up until last summer. He was also a top cricketer at Ickleford Cricket Club when he was younger.

Hitchin Town Football Club will hold a minute’s silence at their home game against Redditch tomorrow (Saturday), to mark their respects.

Club spokesman Neil Jensen said: “He was a genial sort of fellow. Obviously, we are all very shocked and sad to hear of his death.

“Our thoughts go out to his family, who the club know. I know there will be quite a few people shocked to learn of his death.

“People at the club will be very upset to hear about it.”

Mr Hare’s car overturned on the A1(M) southbound carriageway Junction 10 near the exit sliproad.

An inquest has now been opened into his death.

Ambulance service spokesman Gary Sanderson, who attended the incident said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with his family at this tragic time.

“The man was found in an overturned car adjacent to the carriageway on our arrival. Land and air ambulance crews worked closely with the fire service and he was pronounced dead shortly after.”

Police are investigating the incident, and are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen what happened.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Police Collisions Investigation Team via Hertfordshire Constabulary’s non-emergency number 101.