Biker Dies After Losing Control and Crashing Into Car Near Truro

Nigel rode his motorbike to Crantock for coffee. He was heading home around 11:30 am when he lost control on the windy B3275 road, hitting a blue Ford Fiesta.

He received much medical help at the scene. Sadly, he went into cardiac arrest and died at 1:12 pm. His wife Lucy described him as kind, generous, and thoughtful.

Lucy said Nigel went for a motorcycle ride that morning, but never made it back home. The crash occurred in Ladock Valley, and she said the family adored Nigel and life without him is unbearable.

Nigel had many careers throughout his life. He worked as a project manager, then became a flying instructor, and even worked for the air ambulance. Later, he owned a small business, loving coffee so much that he started one selling it from a van.

Julia Richardson drove the Ford Fiesta towards St Stephen. She approached a sharp turn and suddenly saw a motorcycle on her side of the road. Unable to react in time, she hit him, a collision that stays with her.

PC Timothy Hogg, who was off-duty, arrived after the crash. He noted the road was dry but had sharp bends. He saw the Fiesta on its side of the road and a broken motorcycle, while Julia appeared very shaken.

Paramedics pronounced Nigel dead, and two retired doctors also helped. They noticed Nigel wasn’t wearing his helmet, which was found nearby with the strap buckled, and had told him not to move.

The post-mortem showed Nigel had fatal injuries, including a skull fracture and a fractured pelvis. Either injury could have caused his death. Tests found a small amount of alcohol in his blood, possibly from after death or blood transfusions affecting results.

The vehicles had no defects. The rider braked hard and lost control, crossing the road and hitting the car, which was where it should be. Helmets can come off in crashes, and a loose helmet can detach. Losing his helmet may have worsened his head injury. The coroner ruled the death a road traffic collision.