The father of a Deal dad who died in a car crash in the United States has paid tribute to a “likeable lad who loved to party and play practical jokes.”

Noel Varrall, 35, was killed after the car he was driving left the road at about 10.30pm on Thursday.

The news was posted to Facebook by his father Peter Varrall and since his death more than 300 tributes have been posted onto Noel’s Facebook page.

Mr Varrall told the Mercury: “He was a fun-loving lad and a devoted dad.”

Having worked as a removals porter for the family firm, Castles Removals, Noel was well known around town.

“He was a fun-loving lad and a devoted dad” - father Peter Varrall

At one point he had a basement flat in Clanwilliam Road where he frequently held parties.

He added: “It was such a busy party place – it was the only party that needed a bouncer on the door.”

The former Castle High and Warden House pupil had moved to Mystic, Connecticut with wife Rebecca, a Pfizer employee, who he married in Cyprus about four years ago.

They headed for the states when Pfizer left Sandwich in 2012. Rebecca took on a four year contract, first in Boston and when she was promoted, they moved to Connecticut.

Noel, who had worked in sales before, started selling cars. When their daughter Elizabeth was born a year ago, Noel became a stay at home dad and house husband.

Mr Varrall, who is president of Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade, added: “At weekends he liked to go out driving in his car, a BMW roadster.

He had gone out for a drive on Thursday in his car alone. There was no other car involved, he just took a bend wrong.”

Noel died of severe head injuries. His wife Rebecca called Mr Varrall with the news early on Friday morning.

He had last spoken to Noel by Skype on the Monday before the accident because they were celebrating his daughter’s first birthday.

Mr Varrall said his body will be repatriated today (Thursday) and there will be a funeral at St Leonard’s Church.

A burial will take place at Hamilton Road Cemetery. The arrangements are being made by EB Cavell Funeral Directors.

Noel leaves father Peter, step mother Lorraine, wife Rebecca and two children Jayden, 10, who lives in Deal with his mum Carly Douglas, and daughter Elizabeth, 1, with Rebecca.

His sisters are Elaine and Louisa, and step brothers are Dean and Ashley.