Ely taxi driver who died in A14 crash took his own life

Tantalus St John-Ives, from Wicken, Ely, was riding a Suzuki motorbike when he crashed into a Mercedes lorry parked in a lay-by in Suffolk. The area coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Elizabeth Grey, concluded the 53-year-old's inquest at Vantage House, Huntingdon, on March 31. The court heard how Mr St John-Ives had been riding on the A14 heading eastbound near Kentford on January 28.

He suffered multiple traumatic injuries when he pulled into a layby between junction 38 for the A11 and junction 29 for Kentford and collided with the lorry. Mr St John-Ives, who worked at Fen Cabs, in Ely, was pronounced dead at the scene and identified by police using his driving licence. The inquest was told that although the road was "unlit", the carriageway was in a "good state of repair" and the weather was clear.

A witness travelling "between 100 and 200 metres" behind the motorcycle said Mr St John-Ives "did not appear to slow down" before the crash. The coroner determined that "on the balance of probabilities" the 53-year-old old was not wearing his helmet at the time of the incident. "He was likely holding it either between his legs or between his chest and motorbike," Ms Grey said.

The court heard a note had been found in Mr St John-Ives' wallet, which revealed he had made a previous attempt to take his own life. Notes from his GP revealed the taxi driver was not on any medication at the time and had no recent interactions with mental health services. Ms Gray concluded, based on "sufficient evidence", the 53-year-old died by suicide.

In a tribute, Mr St John-Ives' family described him as a "loving and devoted stepfather and step-grandfather, a big brother, and a friend to many." They added: "Tan was a kind, funny, and hard-working human being who had a huge heart and was endlessly generous with his time, affection, and love. "He loved deeply and freely, and he will be missed by many.

"Ride free, Tan, we love you." When life is difficult, Samaritans are there - day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at [email protected], or visitwww.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.[1][2]

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References

1. ^ [email protected] (www.elystandard.co.uk)
2. ^ visitwww.samaritans.org (visitwww.samaritans.org)
3. ^ [email protected] (www.elystandard.co.uk)