Inquest told Thomas Hurren died in cocaine-fuelled A47 crash
Thomas James Hurren suffered catastrophic neck injuries when his Range Rover left the A47 near Hopton, overturned and came to rest upside down in a hedge on December 11, 2024. His parents, Dale and Debbie Hurren, later described their grief as "lightning striking twice". 
Following Thomas's death, the family paid tribute to a man they described as "a devoted father of two, a cherished son and a loving brother". In a statement released via Norfolk Police, they said: "He was full of life, with a cheeky and mischievous character that made him unique. He wasn't everyone's cup of tea, but those who truly knew him understood the kind hearted person he was.
"At times he was misunderstood, and throughout his life he faced the challenges of ADHD. Despite this, he always tried his best, even if he didn't always make the right decisions, as many of us do." They went on to explain how grief had impacted his life, and added: "The loss of his brother deeply affected him, and it was something he never truly came to terms with.
That grief remained with him throughout his life. "We are proud to have known and loved him, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever. 
"Thomas has now been reunited in heaven with his beloved brother James, and together they will forever watch over their family and friends with love." Twenty years earlier, his brother James was among the victims of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami while holidaying in Thailand. An inquest at Norfolk Coroner's Court on Tuesday, June 9 heard that Thomas, of Scratby Crescent, Great Yarmouth, had been struggling with ADHD and chronic back pain for 15 years following a motorcycle collision.
Evidence showed he had sought support for difficulties managing stress and overthinking and had been attempting to self-medicate using alcohol and cannabis. In November 2024 he was seen by a neurodivergence primary care team and reported constant overactivity together with alcohol and cannabis use. Area coroner Johanna Thompson heard that toxicology tests later revealed alcohol, cannabis and cocaine in his system at the time of the crash.
A statement provided by paramedics who attended the scene said they arrived to find his vehicle overturned with the driver trapped upside down inside. Despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead at 9.50pm. A post-mortem found he died from severe neck injuries, including a fractured cervical spine.
Multiple witnesses had observed his driving earlier that day, the inquest heard. Louise Thompson said she first noticed a white Range Rover Evoque travelling along Southtown Road in Gorleston at around 12.40pm. She said: "I estimated he was doing double the speed limit and I could smell burning rubber."
She described seeing the vehicle overtake a van which had slowed for pedestrians at a crossing. Another witness, Alfie Miller, said he encountered the Range Rover shortly before the collision. 
"I was in lane three when suddenly a Range Rover came up fast and cut in front of me," he said. "It was an aggressive manoeuvre going about 60mph and caused me to brake firmly." He said the vehicle accelerated away rapidly before later seeing its lights veer off the road.
A female passenger in the blue Vauxhall Astra involved in the collision told the court she and her partner, Tyler Brown, were heading towards Lowestoft when he pointed out the Range Rover. Moments later she heard him shout and looked up to see the vehicle pulling directly into their path. "The Range Rover had pulled out in front of us.
It was really close - less than a car's length," she said. She closed her eyes as the impact occurred, and Mr Brown immediately got out and attempted to help the driver before calling 999. The Serious Collision Investigation Unit concluded the collision occurred when Thomas suddenly changed lanes and crossed into the path of the Astra at speed.
The Astra struck the rear of the Range Rover, causing it to leave the carriageway and overturn. Investigators found no evidence that Mr Brown had been speeding, distracted, using a mobile phone or was impaired by drink or drugs. 
No mechanical defects were identified in either vehicle. The court heard no further action was taken against Mr Brown because police were satisfied he bore no responsibility for the crash. Recording a conclusion of road traffic collision, Ms Thompson said: "We did hear he had difficulties with his ADHD and was receiving support for that.
"We have heard Thomas crossed into the path of Tyler's vehicle and was hit from behind.
The police have carried out their investigations."
She concluded that Mr Hurren died from injuries sustained in a road traffic collision when his vehicle left the road and overturned.