Mystery surrounds cause of fatal Devon crash

The cause of a horror crash which killed a 76-year-old retired factory worker remains a mystery. Michael Claydon, of Seaton, was driving along the A3052 near Branscombe Cross in the direction of Seaton with his partner when, without warning, he crossed onto the opposing carriageway and into the path of a Land Rover Discovery.

Mr Claydon, also known by his middle name John, died at the scene on the afternoon of January 10, 2023. His partner Jane Wood was taken to Derriford Hospital, having suffered critical life-changing injuries, which she survived. The driver of the Landrover was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

The inquest held at Exeter Corner’s Court today, October 22, heard Ms Wood has no memory of the incident, earlier that day or the day before. However, the driver of the car he collided with and another witness were able to give more insight into the moments before the crash.

The driver of the Land Rover said it was no more than five seconds between when he saw the Toyota and the collision and he was unable to avoid hitting it because of a ditch at the side of the road.

In a statement, he said: "No corrective course action was taken by the other vehicle to avoid the collision. He did not appear to slow down."

A driver who was travelling behind Mr Claydon in his blue Toyota Yaris told in a statement how he saw him change lane, which he compared to a motorway overtaking manoeuvre, but said he could not see a vehicle in front of the Toyota, and had not seen him take any action to avoid hitting the Land Rover.

One of those who came to Mr Claydon's aid immediately after the crash was an off-duty nurse who told police initially he was unconscious and breathing but she could then no longer find a pulse.

He was extracted from the vehicle by fire crews and given CPR but was unable to be revived. Mr Claydon's medical records confirmed he had been diagnosed with lung disease chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and then also heart failure in 2022, for which he received medication.

In a statement, Ms Wood said they met through a Seaton running club when they were married and eventually became partners after they both became widowed.

She recalled how they enjoyed an active lifestyle and going on motorbike rides on Mr Clyadon's bike. The weeks before his death, she said he had told her he had 'never felt so well'.

Following the crash, the road was closed for several hours for a police investigation to be carried out at the scene, and both vehicles were later examined.

Forensic collision investigator MPC Martin Palmer told the inquest no defects were found that could have caused or contributed to the collision, and toxicology tests were clear. Data obtained from the Toyota showed My Claydon had been travelling under the speed limit and had taken his foot off the accelerator and pressed the brake, immediately before the crash.

Giving his conclusion, MPC Palmer said he didn't believe Mr Claydon was deceased before the collision but could not rule out a heart-related or medical episode that could have caused him to drift out of his lane. Other possible reasons given included tiredness, distraction and an intentional act.

He said: "For an unknown reason, the driver drifted out of their correct lane and retrieved data shows that at the last moments he has released the accelerator... and broke in what appears to be a conscious act."

An autopsy confirmed the cause of his death was multiple injuries. However, the medical evidence was unable to conclude if Mr Claydon had suffered a cardiac event just prior to the collision.

Pathologist Paul McCullagh said: "I could not rule out a sudden cardiac event." He concluded: "It's not possible to definitively say why he went on to the other side of the road."

Recording a conclusion of road traffic collision, senior coroner Philip Spinney said: "On the basis of the evidence, it's not possible on the balance of probabilities to reach a conclusion as to why Mr Claydon crossed into the opposing lane. The evidence does not support the conclusion it was a deliberate act.

"The most likely explanation is either Mr Claydon suffered a medical episode, he was distracted, or was tired and momentarily lost concentration."