‘Kind’ grandad died after crashing on M65, inquest hears
Stephen William McKenna, 64, of Burnley[1] Road East, Waterfoot, died when his red Lotus Esprit overturned on the exit slip road of the M65 at Burnley. On Saturday, September 9, Stephen had just finished work at Alberts Surface Technologies in Blackburn[2] when he drove home at around 10.20am. Preston Coroner’s Court heard witness Darren Smith rang 999 at 10.53am after he saw the car flip over and be engulfed in flames.
In a statement, Mr Smith told the court: “I was driving home from a football[3] match in Accrington and I remember the weather was fine and dry. “Someone in a red Lotus Esprit car overtook me and I remember telling my son at the time that they wer driving like an idiot. “I was driving around 70 to 75mph so he must have been going around 90mph.”
Mr Smith recalled how on the slip road to junction 9, the car had begun to lose control, flip and set on fire. In a statement, Sergeant Peter Fyans told the court although the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service were at the scene within five minutes, Stephen had died at the scene. He was identified by his clothing on CCTV earlier in the day, and through his personal belongings on the side of the road.
Post-mortem examinations found no alcohol, drugs or medication in Stephen’s system, but he had experienced severe burns and smoke inhalation that resulted in his death. Due to these findings and that the weather was in a suitable condition, Sergeant Fyans predicted his loss of control was due to the speeding of the car. Stephen’s family said[4]: “Stephen was a beloved dad, grandad, brother and friend to many.
“He was a selfless man who would help anyone in need. “Steve, as he was known, was a thoughtful, loving, funny and kind man who was loved and will be missed by so many people. “Steve was a devoted dad and grandad whose family meant the world to him.
“His second love was for classic cars, of which he owned many and proudly presented them at numerous car shows over the years alongside his friends within the classic car clubs of which he was a member of. “Steve has touched the lives of so many people throughout his life and his passing leaves a huge hole in the lives of his loved ones.” Coroner Kate Bisset concluded the inquest by saying Stehpen had died as a result of a road traffic collision.
She said: “I pass on my sincere condolences to the family of Stephen in such a tragic death.”