Devastated family want ‘stronger checks’ on elderly drivers in high-powered cars after horror Anglesey crash

The family of a couple tragically killed after an 81-year-old driver crashed have called for "stronger checks" on elderly motorists. The Rev Stephen and Katherine Burch, both 65, died after being struck by an automatic Audi A8 in Beaumaris, in Anglesey[1], last summer. An inquest in Caernarfon[2] last week heard the incident was likely caused by a "pedal misapplication" causing sudden unintended acceleration.

The driver "lost control" of his car, ploughed through a group of pedestrians and collided with a house too. He also died. Recently retired vicar Rev Burch, of Alcester, Warwickshire, and his wife Katherine, a retired charity worker, were walking through the popular tourist town when they were struck by the car on August 28, 2024.

In a tribute, a family member said she believes the pair are "now with God". She said: "Ahead of the inquest, I visited Beaumaris with my husband, our son, and my closest friend. We were reminded again of the beauty of this town our parents loved, a place that will always hold a special place in our hearts.

"The circumstances of our parents' death are tragic and deeply painful. While we trust they are now with God, the loss to us is immeasurable. "They were struck and killed in a collision involving a high-powered automatic vehicle, driven at speed through a 20mph street. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now[3]

"It raises painful but important questions about the safety of both powerful and automatic vehicles in the hands of elderly drivers, and the urgent need for stronger checks and safeguards to prevent such tragedies in future."

She described the family's grief as "monumental", comforted only by their faith. She thanked everyone at the accident scene, noting the trauma they too had suffered. "Our grief is monumental," she said. "Yet this year has also been marked by hope and faith.

"Our parents lived with unshakeable confidence in God and in the death and resurrection of Jesus, a peace that continues to sustain us and bring comfort in the midst of our loss. "We are deeply grateful to the emergency services and all who showed care and courage at the scene. "We also recognise the trauma experienced by witnesses and sincerely appreciate the many expressions of sympathy and support we have received."

At the inquest North West Wales senior coroner Kate Robertson concluded Humphrey Pickering, a retired managing director from Colwyn Bay[4], had likely pressed his car's accelerator by mistake before colliding with the couple.

A police collision investigator found his vehicle had gone from 25mph to 55mph after Mr Pickering pressed the accelerator three times in the five seconds before the collision in Alma Street. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter[5] sent twice daily to your inbox

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References

1. ^ Anglesey (www.dailypost.co.uk)
2. ^ Caernarfon (www.dailypost.co.uk)
3. ^ Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now (www.dailypost.co.uk)
4. ^ Colwyn Bay (www.dailypost.co.uk)
5. ^ Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter (www.dailypost.co.uk)