Dad-of-two died after car veered into path of lorry

A painstaking investigation has been carried out to establish why a 53-year-old Devon dad-of-two veered at speed into the path of an oncoming lorry and did not brake. David Boon, an electronic design engineer, died on the A386 between Mary Tavy and Lydford, near Tavistock, onDecember 14, 2023. An inquest at Exeter Coroners Court yesterday, July 31, heard Mr Boon had left for work and then returned back to his home in Yelverton shortly afterwards because he forgot his laptop.

On the journey to his workplace in Okehampton[1], witnesses told police how he made "inappropriate" or "risky" overtakes, including one in which a driver had to brake to let him back onto the correct side of the road. His car later veered into the opposite side of the carriageway and collided with an oncoming lorry. He suffered multiple injuries and despite the best efforts of those who came to his aid, he passed away at the scene.

The inquest heard Mr Boon had been struggling with his physical and mental health in the months before his death. He was described as having been a fit and healthy man until 2019 when he had open heart surgery for a genetic heart problem. He was said to have considered himself "very lucky" to be a heart patient survivor but at the end of 2022, he was diagnosed with a renal tumour.

He received lifesaving surgery to remove one of his kidneys in January 2023 but was then told the devastating news that he had stage three renal cancer. Following immunotherapy, he was given the all-clear in October, but by then he was said to be showing clear signs of trauma related to his health and was experiencing symptoms that could not be diagnosed including involuntary movement, insomnia, weight loss, anxiety, poor concentration, memory loss and increased risk-taking behaviour. Despite a vast number of tests and assessments being carried out by various medical departments, a clinical diagnosis of functional neurological disorder was considered most likely and it was also thought the cause could be psychological symptoms.

At times he was said to have indicated to medical professionals he was experiencing thoughts of suicide. His sister Sally Boon said that after his kidney operation, he said he "didn't feel like David" anymore and she felt there had been a lack of urgency by health professionals to diagnose the symptoms he was experiencing. A loving tribute was paid by his wife Rachel who said in a statement they had enjoyed a "very happy" marriage and were "totally devoted to each other". She described him as having been a gentleman with traditional values who loved helping others.

She added he was quick-witted, interested in life and inquisitive, especially regarding how things worked. He was said to have enjoyed a love of motorbikes, family holidays, walking, keeping fit and live music. She said: "He was a kind-hearted genuine man who always put everyone else's feelings first."

Devastated by his death, she said: "He was my husband, my best friend, my world. He leaves a huge void no one can ever fill. My world has gone."

Following Mr Boon's fatal crash, an extensive police investigation was conducted. No defects were found with his VW Golf that could have caused or contributed to the collision. There was also no evidence of David having been distracted.

Evidence collected from the car computer showed he had been travelling at excessive speed and had not braked before the vehicles collided. The impact speed was said to be around 82mph. MPC Thomas Ham said his hypothesis was Mr Boon had suffered a medical episode prior to the collision.

The cause of his death was multiple injuries but an examination of his brain revealed evidence of a previous mini stroke. It was said to be possible he was suffering from a small stroke at the time of the collision which could have caused his vision to be impaired. Having heard all of the evidence during the inquest, forensic pathologist Dr Deborah Cook who carried out the post-mortem examination added it was also possible that the collision occurred as a direct result of Mr Boon's documented risk-taking behaviour and/ or thoughts of suicide or that it could have been caused by a combination of both.

Recording a conclusion of road traffic collision, Alison Longhorn, area coroner for Exeter[2] and greater Devon, said: "In the months before his death, David had been suffering with odd behaviour which included increased risk-taking and he also voiced thoughts of suicide. A post-mortem examination revealed he may have had a small stroke at the time of the collision and it could, potentially, have affected his eyesight. "It is not clear which, or if any these issues contributed or were responsible for the collision."

Regarding Mr Boon's state of mind, Mrs Longhorn said she had considered all the evidence but could not conclude it was a suicide attempt due to a number of factors including having gone back for his laptop showing he intended to go to work, wearing his seatbelt and having made plans for the future.

She said: "In my judgement, there is insufficient evidence, on the balance of probabilities, to conclude that David deliberately collided with the lorry in order to bring about his death.

He had not indicated suicidal intent in the immediate days leading up to his death."

References

1. ^ Okehampton (www.devonlive.com)
2. ^ Exeter (www.devonlive.com)