Inquest opened for loving father who died in A4129 crash

Andrew Sokell was killed following a collision on the A4129 Risborough Road in Haddenham on Thursday, May 21. At Beaconsfield Coroner's Court on Monday (July 6), the hearing was told how the 'loving and dedicated' 49-year-old father was pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor from the air ambulance service. Describing what happened on the day, senior coroner Crispin Butler said that at 11:39am on Thursday, May 21, Thames Valley Police received reports of a road traffic incident between a van and a VW golf.

Mr Sokell was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Mr Butler said the medical cause of death was a 'traumatic chest injury'. The inquest opening heard that the incident remains under investigation by the police, with the inquest date set for November 10 dependent on the outcome.

Previously, Thames Valley Police said the incident involved a Peugeot Partner van and a Volkswagen Golf. The force launched an investigation and arrested the driver of the Volkswagen Golf, a 33-year-old man from Princes Risborough, on suspicion of manslaughter and causing death by dangerous driving. The man, Hayden Peerless, of Culverton Hill, Princes Risborough, was later charged with one count of causing death by dangerous driving on June 19.

He appeared before High Wycombe Magistrates' Court the following day. In a previous tribute, the parents of Mr Sokell said: "It is extremely difficult for a parent to write a tribute to their child, especially when the death was so sudden and unexpected. "Andy was a son, a brother, a father and a friend to many.

"As a child he loved to play the fool and make others laugh. If there was giggling, Andy was usually the cause. "Growing up, he was very close to his older sister.

"They spent long summer days playing tennis, walking the lanes and visiting the beach. "As an adult Andy was a hard worker, taking on all kinds of jobs, from car valeting to delivery driving. No job was too big or small.

"His greatest achievement was becoming a father to his daughter, who turns 12 next month.

"He was a great dad and loved her with all his being; she was his reason for living.

"Losing Andy has been an enormous shock and has left a hole that can never be filled."