Shrewsbury motorcyclist killed in Whitchurch crash 'lost control' on bend, inquest told

Anthony Pattison, 53, of Minsterley, died on September 10 on the A41 at Sandford near Whitchurch.

He was riding from Whitchurch towards Tern Hill on the A41 a grey Suzuki motorcycle, the inquest was told.

He travelled through Sandford and for some unknown reason lost control and collided with another vehicle, a blue Suzuki car, heading in the opposite direction towards Whitchurch.

Paramedics attended and Mr Pattison died shortly afterwards.

A statement from Police Constable Andrew McLeary, investigating officer, was read to an inquest at Shrewsbury's Shirehall yesterday. He said: "It does seem clear that he lost control and went onto the other side of the road

"It may have been speed but it's not possible to calculate.

"It is not possible to tell if it was due to late braking. It may have been a momentary loss of concentration."

Coroner John Ellery, for Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, said the cause of death was multiple injuries due to a road traffic collision. However, it was not possible to tell what the reason was for Mr Pattison to lose control at a left curve in the road.

His son Ashley, aged 34, told the inquest that he could remember his father riding motorcycles for his entire life.

Mr Ellery said: "He was an experienced motorcyclist.

"He knew that road like the back of his hand. He negotiated that junction many times. There is no evidence of excessive speed.

"Sadly and tragically he did lose control of the motorcycle at the critical time and crossed into the path of the oncoming car.

"We don't know why he lost control."

He concluded the death was due to a road traffic collision.

His son Ashley said previously that his father was the "life and soul" of the party and would be missed by everyone.

He said shortly after the accident: "Dad was a real family man. He was a father, a grandfather and his grandchildren loved him because he was just like a child himself and he was photo mad, he loved having pictures of his grandchildren.

"He had family in Minsterley, Pontesbury, Shrewsbury, he was originally from Sunderland too."

Mr Pattison said his father, who was known by Puma to his friends, was loved by all who knew him.

He said: "He brought people together, all his friends say they only know each other because dad was the man in the middle who brought everyone together.

At the time of his death, the 53-year-old worked as a contractor for Cooper Green Pooks.

Mr Pattison added: "Bikes were dad's hobby, he'd driven all over the world on them. He had every kind of licence for vehicles, so it has come as a big shock to everyone because he was person who would never be reckless.

"Dad was famous for his humour. He was quick witted with his one liners. He made everyone laugh and truly was the life and soul of the party."