MUCH-LOVED MOTORCYCLIST DIED INSTANTLY IN 110MPH WOOTTON CRASH, INQUEST HEARS

An inquest has heard details of how 31-year-old Samuel Gibbons, remembered as a generous and warm-hearted man, died instantly when a Police officer pulled out in front of his motorcycle, which was travelling at speeds in excess of 100mph.

The father-of-2, from Newport, was riding a black Kawasaki ZX-6 motorcycle – modified to gain extra horsepower – along Whiterails Road near Wootton on 15th July 2021 when he collided with a grey Ford Fusion at around 18:40.

Today’s inquest at the Isle of Wight Coroner’s Court heard how local police officer Paul Bradley was edging out of an entranceway, looking both left and right, when the fatal impact occurred. In his evidence, Mr Bradley stated that he was around two-thirds of the way across the road when he first sighted Mr Gibbons, who emerged ‘from nowhere’.

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At first, Mr Bradley – who has been extensively mentally impacted by the incident – thought that the motorcyclist had managed to take evasive action to avoid a collision, but then there was a ‘deafening explosion of sound’ as Mr Gibbons smashed into the rear quarter of the Ford with such force that it spun the vehicle around.

Local business owners and residents rushed to the aid of those involved, including the owner of Doggy Paddles, Lee Williscroft. He described hearing the bike in the moments before impact, stating it was the ‘fastest bike he had ever heard’ – noting the acceleration and gear changes at ‘full chat’.

Those first on scene found Mr Gibbons in a position in a hedge beside the road. The motorcycle’s exhaust, which had become detached in the crash, was so hot that it caused a small fire in the hedgerow.

The front end of the motorbike had been ripped off.

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Despite the efforts of a passing bus driver and residents who administered CPR, as well as medics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Mr Gibbons was sadly pronounced dead at the scene at 19:21.

Family and friends gathered at today’s inquest were given some comfort by Coroner Caroline Sumeray, who stated that Sam would have died instantly as the collision caused a tear to his aorta. The cause of death was given as traumatic hemothorax.

Toxicology tests confirmed the presence of both cannabis and cocaine in Mr Gibbons’ system, although Mrs Sumeray said it could not be determined when he consumed the illicit drugs and whether, on the balance of probabilities, he was impaired at the time of the collision.

Senior Investigating Officer PC Martin Munday, who was present at today’s hearing, detailed in his report that Samuel Gibbons’ driving licence had been revoked and was therefore not entitled to be riding the machine. He also held no insurance.

PC Munday revealed at the inquest that Sam had been caught on dashcam footage overtaking 3 cars and a van on Racecourse, near Whippingham, narrowly avoiding a head-on collision just 4 minutes before the fatal crash.

On Whiterails Road, Sam was caught on CCTV in a ‘tucked’ position travelling at 100mph around 10 seconds before impact, with an estimated speed of 106-110mph – travelling at almost 50m a second – as the motorcycle collided with the Ford Fusion. Mr Bradley had a view of around 105m to his right, a distance covered by Mr Gibbons in just 2 seconds.

Samuel Gibbons’ death prompted an outpouring of grief from the community at the time, with floral tributes placed at the scene in the days following the crash. A year later, dozens of riders took part in a memorial ride-out across the Isle of Wight in his honour.

Sam is remembered by family and friends as a kind, generous and warm-hearted individual who always had time for others. Described as someone with a massive heart and a deep love for motorcycles, he was a well-known figure in the local biking community.

In the days before his death, Sam had stated that his life was coming together and, according to his father, was ‘buzzing’.

Caroline Sumeray, Senior Coroner for the Isle of Wight, recorded a conclusion of road traffic collision. She said:

“Riding at that kind of speed is a risk to everybody. There but for the grace of god, he was the only person who died that day.

“…It’s nenver sensible to drive after consuming substances”.

In addressing the family at the start of proceedings, Mrs Sumeray apologised for the delay in concluding the inquest but stated that it was because of matters ‘beyond her control’.

Some family members expressed their thoughts on the involvement of the Ford Fusion driver, stating in open court that he appeared more worried about his German Sheppard dog than Samuel. Some questioned his Policing connections.