HUNDREDS of mourners packed into a city church to pay their last respects to a talented musician killed in a motorway crash.

Alessio Adorisio was remembered by family and friends for his love of music and football and devotion to his family.

During yesterday’s service at St George’s Catholic Church in Sansome Place, Worcester, a close friend and fellow band member paid tribute to an inspirational man who touched everyone he met.

“Everyone who knew Alessio knew he had two passions: his love of football and his passion for music,” said Sean Gandy.

“Whichever team he was associated with he gave his all, he played like a true Italian.

“Alessio touched everyone he met and was an inspiration to many.

“He made an everlasting difference to everyone he met.”

The 23-year-old’s coffin, with a simple wreath of white lilies, was carried into the church to Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah.

Mourners stood to sing The Lord of Sea and Sky and listened to a reading from the Book of Wisdom.

Father Brian McGinley spoke about the pain people will be feeling following Mr Adorisio’s death in a car accident on the M5 on Wednesday, June 10.

“I am sure many of you have asked ‘why’,” he said.

“Our faith tells us this is not the end, Alessio’s life has changed but it has not ended.

“Although today is a day of tremendous heartache and unbearable grief, today we cannot allow our peers to have the last word, we must allow our faith to have the last word.”

Mr Adorisio, who was a singer, songwriter and guitarist, was on his way home from an HSBC talent contest in Birmingham when the Alfa Romeo convertible he was driving collided with a lorry.

He died hours later as a result of his injuries.

Mr Gandy spoke about Mr Adorisio’s early life in Italy, and the mischief he got up to on his grandparent’s allotment when he was a small boy.

He described Mr Adorisio’s love for travelling and the excitement he got when performing with their band the ATATS.

He concluded his tribute with the words: “Good night Aless, God bless and thank you.”

The congregation also sang Oh, The Love of My Lord and listened to a soprano soloist singing Ave Maria.

The former Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College student was later laid to rest at Astwood Cemetery in Worcester.

He leaves a brother Alain, father Enrico Travascio, mother Ninetta and a large extended family in the city.