RAF veteran dies after car crashes into tree near Torquay

A pensioner who died after his car crashed into a tree near Torquay has been named as RAF veteran Wilfred Owen. The 84-year-old, of Dawlish, was taken to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth on Remembrance Sunday, November 10, after the incident on the A379 between Teignmouth and Torquay at around 12.55pm.

He sadly passed away in hospital the following day from his injuries. An inquest into his death was recently opened at Exeter Coroner's Court. During the short hearing it was confirmed Mr Owen was born in Farnworth, Bolton, and was widowed.

Alison Longhorn, area coroner for Devon, said: "The circumstances are that on November 10, Mr Owen was admitted to A&E at Derriford following a road traffic collision when he was driving out of Torquay. He entered a left hand bend and for unknown reasons he drifted across the carriageway and over the opposite verge through a barrier and struck a tree.

"He received extensive injuries and sadly passed away in Derriford Hospital on November 11 from his injuries."

The medical cause of death given was multiple injuries. The inquest was adjourned for a full hearing to be held at a later date.