Inquest opens on Shropshire couple killed in Mauritius holiday crash

Hugh Vaughan, 56, and his wife Liz , 45, lived in Prees Heath, near Whitchurch, and had been on holiday on the island.

It is believed they were travelling back to their hotel when the accident happened on May 1.

The inquest into their death was opened by coroner John Ellery at Shirehall in Shrewsbury yesterday.

It was adjourned until August 23 where the inquest will resume in the same venue.

The couple, who had been together for about 17 years, were on a dream holiday to the Indian Ocean Island when the tragedy happened, leaving family and friends in shock at the news.

Rosie and Scarlett Hughes, with brother Bruce Shaw, say they will have happy memories of their mum and step-dad.

“My main memory of mum is how happy she was and how loving she was to everybody,” said Rosie, who added that Hugh was a brilliant step-father.

“She was so brilliant as a person – she really was. She was a good nan too to our kids.

“I’m definitely proud that she was my mum and that she was really happy.

“Meeting Hugh was the best thing that ever happened to mum and to all of us.

“He was an amazing step-dad and he always helped me out.

“This was supposed to be mum and Hugh’s time away together and they were looking forward to their future.

“This is going to bring our family closer together to help us get through this.”

Mr Vaughan was a director at Landia, which supplies machinery to farmers across the UK from its base in Whitchurch.

A statement on behalf of the firm said: “Hugh will be sorely missed. We send our heartfelt sympathies to Hugh and Liz’s families.”

Gerald Dakin, Shropshire councillor for Whitchurch, met Mr Vaughan several times and has spoken of his shock and sadness at their death.

“He was a fantastic bloke who was very friendly, hardworking and ambitious. I am absolutely shocked and devastated to hear of his death,” Councillor Dakin said.

Meanwhile, police on the island have launched an appeal for witnesses to the crash.