Inquest for American explorer who died in Oxford crash
James 'Max' Farrar died after being involved as a pedestrian in a collision on the Eastern Bypass between Risinghurst and Horspath Driftway on Saturday, January 10. Two cars, a Ford Fiesta and a Hyundai Ioniq electric car, and a pedestrian, 80-year-old Mr Farrar, were involved in the collision at around 2.15am. Heartfelt tributes were paid following the death of Mr Farrar, who was born in Utah, USA, and worked as an explorer and archaeologist before retiring to Oxford.
The inquest into his death was opened by area coroner Nicholas Graham at the county's coroner's court on Thursday, February 5. An opening statement heard by the court said Mr Farrar's death was verified by a police officer on the same day of the crash, after he was "struck by a vehicle on the eastern bypass". 
A post-mortem gave the cause of death as multiple injuries. No date has yet been set for the full inquest to be held at the court. A statement issued on behalf of Mr Farrar's family following his death said: "James 'Max' Farrar, born February 1945 in Utah, USA, was the most wonderful friend and grandfather.
"He travelled the world working as an explorer and archaeologist, then retired to Oxford in his later years. 
"His death is a tragedy, and he will be greatly missed by so many. "We ask the public if they have any information regarding the incident that led to his death to get in touch with police." Among those paying tribute was Richard Anderson, who said he met the 80-year-old on a dig in Syria in the autumn of 1978.
"He was a man of many talents: originally an archaeologist, but also an architect with very early experience with computer aided architecture and design," said Mr Anderson. "He shot a lot of video during the protest against the M3 extension over Twyford Down near Winchester and learned to edit VHS tapes to make a significant documentary about the protest against that project. "He made many friends as he joined that group.
In his retirement, he also made many friends at the Gatehouse in Oxford who greeted him warmly as he walked around the city. "Those people are as extraordinary as my friend was." Detective sergeant Oliver Cahill-Smith said: "My thoughts are with the family and friends of the pedestrian who died in this collision."
A 28 year-old man from Dunstable in Bedfordshire was arrested on suspicion of causing death whilst driving a vehicle unlicenced or uninsured.
The man, who was driving the Fiesta, was taken into police custody and questioned by detectives investigating the fatal crash.
Thames Valley Police said the arrested person has been re-bailed until March 30.
References
- ^ Oxfordshire man's death in crash puts spotlight on junction (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ Grove - Photo of stalker jailed for contacting ex-partner (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ Oxfordshire village slams 3-year wait for bridge repairs (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ UK store administration has impact on Oxford Westgate shop (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)