Newbury dad would have survived crash if he had been wearing seatbelt, inquest hears

Wayne Angell, 29, died in A339 collision in January

A FATHER-of-two from Newbury was killed when he was thrown from his car during a crash on the A339, an inquest has heard.

It is believed Wayne Angell, of Burchell Road, was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the collision on the morning of Saturday, January 9.

The 29-year-old died at the scene after losing control of his BMW 3 series along the stretch of road between the Tesco roundabout and the Burger King roundabout.

His body was discovered by passing motorists lying next to the central reservation close to the wreckage.

It is thought the blue sports car collided with the central reservation and the roadside barrier before coming to rest facing the wrong direction on the northbound carriageway.

No other vehicles were involved in the incident.

The investigation into Mr Angell’s death could not establish the reasons why he lost control of his vehicle.

However, giving evidence at the inquest, forensic collision investigator for Thames Valley Police, James Henderson, said the presence of surface water on the road may have been a contributing factor.

A toxicology report showed the popular labourer had a “modest” amount of alcohol and cocaine in his system, which Mr Henderson said could have “worsened” the situation, however it was pointed out that he was under the drink and drive limit.

Mr Henderson added: “It’s highly likely that, had he been wearing his seatbelt, he would not have been ejected from the vehicle and not received the injuries to his head, and probably survived the collision.”

The inquest at Reading Town Hall on Tuesday heard how a witness had seen Mr Angell’s BMW accelerate away from the Tesco roundabout towards Newbury “at speed” on the damp winter morning.

Seconds later, as the same witness approached the top of an incline further along the A339, he described a thick wall of “spray” before the wreckage of what turned out to be Mr Angell’s BMW came into view.

According to a statement from Mr Angell’s partner, Sharon Repton, which was read out at the inquest, the labourer was known to regularly drive without wearing his seatbelt and would pull and twist it in such away that it would look like it was in use.

Concluding the inquest, senior coroner for Berkshire Peter Bedford said he could not be sure whether surface water, speed or the alcohol and cocaine in Mr Angell’s system had played a part.

“What is clear is that for all or some of these reasons Mr Angell lost control and crashed. The vehicle was damaged. The ‘cockpit’ was intact,” he said.

“It was his choice not to wear a seatbelt – had he been there is no reason to suggest he would not have survived.

“Therefore I will record that he died as a result of a road traffic crash in which he was ejected from the vehicle while not wearing his seatbelt and will note the presence of water on the carriageway, as it seems that may have been a factor.”

Following his death, Mr Angell was described as a “sociable and bubbly” character and an “amazing” dad.

In a statement Mr Angell's family said: “Wayne Michael Angell was sadly taken from us on January 9.

“He will be deeply missed by all that knew him."