Tridbutes have been paid to a County Durham doctor who was killed on the A19 last week.

Colleagues are shocked by news of the death of a man described as "highly valued and respected''.

Dr John Zuk, 42, of Durham City, a pathologist at the city's University Hospital, died when he was hit by a lorry while trying to cross the busy trunk road near the Doxford International Business Park at Sunderland on Thursday.

Four other people were hurt as a car crashed into the back of the lorry.

Traffic police from the Northumbria force are trying to find out exactly how the accident happened.

Dr Zuk, formerly of Dundee, was one of three pathologists at University Hospital and had worked there and at its predecessor, Dryburn Hospital, for ten years.

As a pathologist he investigated the causes of people's deaths and produced reports and gave evidence at inquests held by the Coroner for North Durham.

The Coroner, Andrew Tweddle, said: "His death has come as a shock. I worked with him very well and I thought very highly of him. He will be sorely missed.''

John Saxby, chief executive of the County Durham Acute Hospitals Trust, said: "Colleagues at the trust are numb at the news.

"John Zuk was a highly valued and respected doctor who had worked in North Durham for ten years.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.''

Dr Zuk leaves a widow and two daughters. His funeral will be held on Wednesday at 2pm in Durham Crematorium.

The tragedy happened shortly before 2.30pm on the southbound carriageway of the A19 south of the industrial park.

Dr Zuk is believed to have died instantly when he was hit by a DAF truck, which braked, and was hit in the rear by a Vauxhall Astra car.

Three men in the car were taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital with serious injuries.

The road was closed for more than four hours, causing a rush-hour tailback of up to three miles. An inquest into Dr Zuk's death will be held by the Coroner for Sunderland.

Any witnesses should call Northumbria Police on 0191-454 7555, extension 66391.