RAF veteran dies after car crashes into tree near Torquay
A pensioner who died after his car crashed into a tree near Torquay has been named as RAF veteran Wilfred Owen. The 84-year-old, of Dawlish[1], was taken to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth[2] on Remembrance Sunday, November 10, after the incident on the A379 between Teignmouth and Torquay[3] at around 12.55pm. He sadly passed away in hospital the following day from his injuries.
An inquest into his death was recently opened at Exeter[4] Coroner's Court. During the short hearing it was confirmed Mr Owen was born in Farnworth, Bolton, and was widowed. Alison Longhorn, area coroner for Devon, said: "The circumstances are that on November 10, Mr Owen was admitted to A&E at Derriford following a road traffic collision when he was driving out of Torquay[5].
He entered a left hand bend and for unknown reasons he drifted across the carriageway and over the opposite verge through a barrier and struck a tree. "He received extensive injuries and sadly passed away in Derriford Hospital on November 11 from his injuries." The medical cause of death given was multiple injuries.
The inquest was adjourned for a full hearing to be held at a later date.