Powys police inspector was overtaking before fatal crash on A470
Inspector Gareth Earp, aged 43, was driving along the A470 between Llangurig and his hometown of Rhayader on Thursday, June 29, when his Volkswagen Golf collided with a Range Rover.
The opening of the inquest into the popular Rhayader Town Football Club chairman’s death heard that it appears he did not see the black Range Rover coming in the opposite direction when he pulled out to overtake a Kia Sportage on a fairly long straight after a left-hand bend where it is legitimate to overtake.
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Opening the inquest at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court on Friday, July 7, coroner Patricia Morgan said: “It appears he went out for the overtake on the opposite side of the carriageway and did not see the Range Rover coming in the opposite direction.
“This caused the Range Rover to take evasive action. Mr Earp’s vehicle has made contact with the Range Rover.
“His vehicle then crossed back onto the correct side of the carriageway coming to a stop on the grass verge by a large layby.”
The hearing was told paramedics attended Inspector Earp who sadly died from his injuries at the scene.
Tributes poured in for the popular figure in mid Wales football and policing following his tragic death.
Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis said Inspector Earp, who had served with the force for 21 years, “represented the best of humanity”.
He said: “We are heartbroken at his loss. He was a deeply committed public servant but first and foremost he was a family man.
“My thoughts are with his wife Tamsin and sons Ethan, Theo and Joel at this difficult time. Hedd perffaith hedd.”
Rhayader Town’s tribute to chairman Gareth Earp at their Weirglodd home this week. The initials ‘GE’ were mown into the pitch by first team manager Liam Addison, who then dotted footballs around the mown grass. (Image: None)
A club shirt initially left at the pitch will now be framed and go on display in the Rhayader clubhouse in memory of Gareth Earp (Image: None)
Ceredigion-based Chief Inspector Christina Fraser described the policeman as a “brilliant colleague, excellent officer and a role model for leadership in policing”.
Dyfed-Powys Police Federation branch chair Gareth Jones said Inspector Earp was a “friend as well as a colleague”.
He said: “I had the pleasure of working alongside him during our time on the Roads Policing Unit together and more latterly during his time as Inspector in Ceredigion, prior to his move to the Specialist Operations Dept in HQ.
“Gareth leaves behind his wife Tamsin and his three boys Ethan, Theo and Joel. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
“Our thoughts are also with the driver of the other vehicle involved in the collision who remains in hospital.”