The father of Pete Buckmaster, who died after crashing into a tree in Feltham, has described him as a 'prodigiously talented' musician, who had gigs lined up in Colombia and Taiwan.

The 22-year-old, of Sunbury, was today named by police as the man who died the day after a collision in Chertsey Road during the early hours of last Sunday, April 6.

His father Philip Buckmaster, musical director of Feltham Choral Society, today told how his death was a huge loss to the world of music as well as his family and friends.

Speaking ahead of his son's funeral next weekend, he said he had been hugely moved by the many kind tributes friends and colleagues had posted on the drummer's Facebook page.

"It's been touching to read so many messages saying how prodigiously talented Pete was but also what a kind and gentle person he was," he said.

"He was 100 per cent focused on his music and people have said he was destined for great things. He was a phenomenal drummer and played in several bands.

"One of his bands was due to do a tour in Colombia and had a gig booked in Taiwan, and another had been signed up by a producer who had worked with The Cure.

"He was an all-rounder, who could play the guitar, bass, keyboards and even sing, as well as playing the drums, and he liked to write his own music.

"Everyone who has said how talented he was also says what a kind, gentle person he was and how much fun he was to be with. He was one of the good guys, as someone commented."

Pete, who lived with his parents in Sunbury, where the garage of the family home had been converted into a studio, went to Brooklands College, in Weybridge, where he got a triple distinction in his popular music BTEC. He then graduated from Drumtech, in Acton, with a 2:1 in popular music performance.

His bands included By Starlight, who describe themselves as an alternative/rock band and have nearly 800 likes on their Facebook page.

Police are still investigating the crash, which happened at about 1.30am near the junction with Cadbury Road, but his father said one possible cause was a heart arrythmia, which can lead to sudden death.

He said Pete, who was driving home alone, had suffered from Kawasaki disease, a rare condition which mainly affects children aged under five and causes blood vessels to become inflamed and swollen.

"In his case he wasn't badly affected but it can result in sudden death. He had an enlarged left coronary artery which was treated with aspirin but he had to have check-ups throughout his life," said Mr Buckmaster.

* Police are still appealing for witnesses to the crash which caused Pete's death and have asked anyone with information to call officers on 020 8941 9011 or Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

* Pete's funeral will take place next Saturday, April 26, at St Matthew's Church, in Ashford, at 3pm. It will be followed by a memorial gig, but the family have chosen not to publicise the address in advance. They have requested any donations in his memory to be made to the Kawasaki Disease Foundation at www.kdfoundation.org