A Binstead man was rushing for the bus when he stepped out in front of an oncoming car, which caused serious injuries and led to his death in hospital 3 weeks later, an inquest has heard.
77-year-old David Thomas Cairns, of Hazelmere Avenue, was on his way to collect his son from the hovercraft in Ryde when he walked out in front of a Skoda Octavia on Binstead Hill back on 15th November 2021.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Mr Cairns was hit by the Skoda on the pedestrian crossing just outside the village Post Office at just gone 10:00. He was taken to St Mary’s Hospital and later transferred to Southampton General Hospital, where he died on 8th December.
Today’s inquest, held in Newport, heard from a number of witnesses including a Mr Danny Spink, who in his statement detailed how Mr Cairns had briskly walked along Chapel Lane before the impact. The tragic collision was also witnessed by Helen Lewis and her 11-year-old son who were travelling in a car towards Ryde when the collision occurred; their attention was drawn by Mr Cairn’s salmon pink coat.
The inquest also heard in detail how the driver of the car, Mr Matthew Aubert, simply couldn’t stop in time as Mr Cairns stepped out into the road.
Mr Aubert was driving home when the impact occurred, having been to the vets and Tesco in Ryde. He told Police in a voluntary interview, conducted in February 2022, that he saw David Cairns looking down the road towards a bus and appearing ‘worried’ in the seconds before the impact. As the 77-year-old walked out Mr Aubert slammed on the brakes but collided with the pedestrian, who hit the windscreen and rolled off the bonnet.
He mentioned the presence of the charity bin outside the shop which may have obscured the view (seen far right in the below picture).
Despite lying injured on the floor, Mr Cairns apologised to the experienced driver saying “I’m sorry”. He then crawled across the road, despite his injuries.
A full investigation was carried out by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary but no criminal charges were ever brought against Mr Aubert, who was found to have been at no fault. He passed all drink, drug and eyesight tests.
All witnesses described the traffic lights as being green.
David Cairns sustained multiple injuries in the collision including 2 broken legs, broken ribs and a broken collarbone, as well as a collapsed lung. However, a post-mortem report by forensic pathologist Dr Basil Purdue concluded that none of the injuries Mr Cairns sustained would have resulted in his death, but the combination of the injuries and pre-existing conditions led to his passing.
It was revealed in today’s inquest that Mr Cairns had severe heart disease and had previously suffered a heart attack. He also had been diagnosed with Leukaemia back in 2017.
The stress of the collision and the surgeries carried out afterwards put a burden on David’s already poorly heart, which led to cardiac arrest. Sadly, his brain suffered damage from the starvation of blood and the decision was eventually taken to switch off his life support machine.
Concluding, Caroline Sumeray, Senior Coroner for the Isle of Wight, said that the burden of injury mixed with Mr Cairns’ existing conditions proved too much for him.
She recorded a conclusion (previously known as a verdict) of road traffic collision.
In some final words, David’s window Tarja mentioned the citing of the charity bin prevented a view down the road and suggested it could be moved. Furthermore, she made clear that she nor the family blamed the driver – Mr Aubert – for what happened that day.
Paying tribute to Mr Cairns, a retired local government officer, his family have said:
“David Cairns was a beloved husband, father, stepfather and grandfather.
“He worked for many years in local government in Tower Hamlets before retiring early at 50. He continued to work part time for some years and eventually moved to the Island in 2006 with his wife, Tarja. He spent many happy hours with his and Tarja’s grandchildren and took frequent trips with his daughter, Zoe.
“This very unfortunate accident cut his life short. He was 77 years old, but had no serious health issues. We all miss him terribly, now and always”.
A very emotional time for the family, the car driver, and also those who witnessed it.
Hopefully that charity bin has been moved.
No, it’s still there…x
What ever happened about the crash in Sandown the one where the old lady hit several cars a pedestrian then a tree?
I seem to recall when this incident was originally reported that more than a few ‘Keyboard Warrior’s’ immediately jumped to the conclusion that it was the car drivers fault.
The Law has been amended now to seemingly always blame the motorist, and people are very quick to level blame without being in possession of the full facts.
Terrible for the gentleman and his family, but EQUALLY terrible for the innocent vehicle driver!
Think, before you lash out with ‘definitive’ comments!
The driver was a youngish man. The man killed was my Father. Have some respect you piece of **it
Really sorry to read this story many condolences to the family and all affected by it. Comments about the yellow charity bin are important, it does restrict the view of the crossing for both drivers and pedestrians. It must be resited to provide a safer crossing for all.
How much safer can it be? If the lights are red the driver stops & people can cross safely. If the lights are green the pedestrian waits until they turn red.
Children are taught this at school!