A TEENAGE strongman killed in a car crash on the A66 last year is likely to have momentarily fallen asleep at the wheel, an inquest heard.

Tyrone Singh, from Darlington, was driving home with a friend on the evening of April 14 last year when the collision happened.

His silver Hyundai Getz collided with a crash barrier close to the Long Newton turn-off, between Stockton and Darlington.

The 18-year-old suffered serious injuries and was later pronounced dead at the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

An inquest at Teeside Magistrates' Court this morning heard that Mr Singh had told his friend he felt tired shortly before the crash.

PC Paul Harris, who carried out an investigation into the collision, said it was likely Mr Singh had fallen asleep.

The Northern Echo:

POPULAR: Darlington teenager Tyrone Singh, who died in a crash on the A66 last April

Toxicology reports showed Mr Singh was not under the influence of any alcohol, medication or drugs.

Nor was there any evidence the teenager, who was described by those who knew him as fit, healthy and happy, had suffered any kind of medical episode while driving.

The death of Mr Singh, who worked as a car valeter, came just a few days after that of his friend, 15-year-old Kyle Hull, who lived on the same Darlington housing estate.

The Northern Echo:

FRIEND: Kyle Hull, who was friends with Mr Singh and died a few days earlier following an accident at Darlington Auction Mart

Acting senior coroner Clare Bailey ruled that Mr Singh had died as the result of an accident.