Retired nurse died in road accident
INQUEST HELD AFTER THREE-VEHICLE CRASH
A WELLKNOWN nurse and muchloved dad died after a road traffic collision, a coroner has concluded.
Trevor Knowles died in hospital on October 11, last year, after being involved in a collision on the A177, just north of Thorpe Thewles on October 6.
The 62-year-old, who lived in Great Ayton, was driving a Skoda Fabia when a crash involving a Vauxhall Astra and a Ford Transit van happened.
Trevor, a popular retired ophthalmic nurse who previously worked at James Cook University Hospital, was taken to hospital where he later died.
His heartbroken wife and children described the family man as “very loved and missed”.
A hearing to determine the circumstances surrounding Trevor’s death was heard at Teesside Coroner’s Court yesterday. Assistant coroner for Teesside and Hartlepool Karin Welsh told how a post mortem examination was carried out by Dr David Scoones.
The inquest heard Trevor had suffered head and chest injuries as a result of the motor vehicle crash. Dr Scoones concluded Trevor died as a result of “multi-organ failure due to head and chest injuries”.
Assistant coroner Welsh also told how tests were carried out to investigate any other health problems that could have led to the collision. However,
Dr Scoones could not confirm any other problems “on the balance of probabilities”.
During the hearing, Trevor’s wife outlined the family’s concern over the medical findings. She said: “We believe there must have been some medical episode before crashing. If anyone is conscious and saw something coming towards another vehicle you’d either swerve or brake.
“There was no evidence that either was done. I believe he wasn’t conscious and that’s why he crashed.”
However, assistant coroner Welsh stated there was nothing in the post mortem report to suggest those findings.
Cleveland Police also carried out investigations following the crash and found “nothing untoward”.
Assistant coroner Welsh told how officers interviewed the Ford Transit van driver, who was travelling in the opposite direction, and explained that Trevor “drifted across the carriageway towards him”.
“He assumed it was a lapse in concentration and the Skoda’s steering would correct itself but that wasn’t the case,” coroner Welsh added.
Trevor’s vehicle collided with the side of the van, then a Vauxhall Astra.
Police enquiries also confirmed there was “nothing suggesting there was anything untoward” with Trevor’s vehicle.
Following the collision, Cleveland Police stated the Vauxhall driver was also seriously injured, however, he was later released from hospital following treatment.
Following the crash, officers closed the road for several hours and drivers were asked to find an alternative route. The North East Ambulance Service sent two paramedic ambulance crews, the air ambulance and three heart crews to the scene after being called shortly before 3pm.
Ms Welsh recorded a conclusion of a road traffic collision.
“I hope the end of our involvement brings some relief to you as a family,” she added.
Following the inquest, Trevor’s family told how he is “very loved and missed”.
They also added that as a ophthalmic nurse – a professional caring for patients with eye conditions – Trevor donated both his eyes, which has helped two people regain their sight.