Shaun Thomas inquest after A1 collision near RAF Wittering

Shaun Thomas was killed in a single vehicle crash on the northbound carriageway of the A1 near RAF Wittering shortly after midnight on August 8 last year. The 27-year-old had attended a "family day event" on the base and had "consumed alcohol with colleagues" before tragedy struck. Shortly after his death, he was described as a "one in a million dad" and a "smart and generous man" who "lived life to the fullest" by his family in a tribute.

They said: "He was known as the 'class clown' or as his sister would say, 'another Jim Carrey'. He loved playing pranks on others, and he never took life too seriously." "He was the joy and soul of the party, and as a family we are absolutely heartbroken to have lost someone as special as Shaun."

An inquest heard how Mr Thomas, born in Aberdare, South Wales, was seen walking northbound on the A1 between two lanes of traffic at around midnight. Area coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Caroline Jones said a 999 call was made to police but he was struck by the vehicle before officers could arrive. It was later established the 27-year-old had left the base at around 10.30pm via the Townsend Road gate.

A forensic investigation determined "no road or vehicle defects that could have contributed to his death". The driver also tested negative for drugs and alcohol. Police assessed that a vehicle travelling at or around the 70mph speed limit would have been unable to stop in time.

Despite the presence of alcohol in Mr Thomas' system, it was not possible to "definitely establish what individual effect this would have had on Shaun at the time of his death." Ms Jones said the effects associated with the level of alcohol consumed by the aircraftman can include disorientation, confusion and exaggerated emotional states. She concluded there was "no evidence" to conclude that Mr Thomas had deliberately walked onto the carriageway with the "intention of ending his life."

"I do not consider that a conclusion of suicide is one that is lawfully available to me," she added. The coroner recorded a cause of death of multiple traumatic injuries that were sustained as a result of a road traffic collision. Have you got a story you want to share?

Get in touch at [email protected]