AN INQUEST has opened after a lifeguard died in hospital following a collision in which his car hit a tree.

Joshua Willis, 20, who lived in Whitemoor, Holt near Wimborne, was driving a white Volkswagen Golf that crashed on an unnamed road in Holt Forest on January 24.

Coroner's officer Ken McEwan told the short hearing at Bournemouth Town Hall that Mr Willis was taken to Southampton General Hospital after the collision but he died the following day.

Mr McEwan said Dorset Police's traffic unit are continuing with their enquiries into the collision.

A post-mortem examination provided a provisional cause of death as multiple injuries, the inquest heard.

Assistant coroner for Dorset Brendan Allen adjourned the inquest until August.

As reported, Mr Willis's family issued a tribute following his death.

“Josh was such a selfless, brave and beautiful young man. He was the most incredible son, brother, uncle, boyfriend and friend to all who knew him," his family said.

“He did everything and anything to make those he loved happy. Other people’s needs were always put before his own and that never went unnoticed.

“Josh was the most loving young man who had the kindest heart and the funniest sense of humour.

“He had such a cheeky way of going about life but we wouldn’t have asked for Josh to be any other way.

"Josh has left a huge hole in everyone’s lives and will be sorely missed.”

His funeral took place at Harbour View in Lytchett Minster on February 15.