An inquest has opened into the death of a 34-year-old train driver.
Paul Rostron had been driving down Smithills Dean Road in the direction of Bolton, when he crashed on November 24, Bolton Coroner's Court heard.
Police coroner's officer Benjamin Dobbs told the court that Mr Rostron "lost control" of his car, which then hit a tree and a parked van.
Mr Rostron, of Astley Bridge, died at the scene.
Area Coroner for Manchester West, Alan Walsh confirmed that the preliminary cause of Mr Rostron's death has been recorded as "multiple injuries".
Prof Walsh asked for statements to be provided by Mr Rostron's GP and Greater Manchester Police.
Following his death, Mr Rostron's family and friends paid tribute to him.
In a statement, his family said: “To say we are devastated as a family is an understatement.
“Our Paul was a much-loved son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many. A true gentleman in every sense of the word, he had a heart filled with kindness and was the epitome of old school etiquette and chivalry.
“We would like to thank everyone for their support during this most difficult of times. Our family will now take the time we need to grieve in private.”
His best friend Jason Parkinson also told Manchester Evening News: "He was just an amazing person, he was so pleasant and respectful. Even though he was only 34, he was a gentleman.
"He was just always so smart, so polite and didn't have a bad word to say about anybody.
"He was just really fun to be around and a bubbly person. He had so many friends."
Prof Walsh adjourned the inquest for a review on January 8 2021.
Anyone with information should contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 2071 of 24/11/2020. Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
