Pedestrian, 81, killed in lorry crash has been named

A pedestrian who died following a collision with a lorry on a busy Nottinghamshire road has been named by a coroner. Ronald Hempsall, 81, died on December 4, 2024, on North Road in Retford[1]. The road was closed in both directions[2] between 9.30am and 4pm to allow police[3] officers to establish how the "tragic and upsetting"[4] incident occurred.

Mr Hempsall was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision. An inquest was opened into his death at Nottingham Coroner's Court on Monday, February 17, by coroner Nathanael Hartley. During the short afternoon hearing, Mr Hartley said that a post-mortem examination has been carried out and a provisional cause of death for Mr Hempsall has been recorded as 1a head and neck injury.

Coroner Hartley said: "In accordance with my statutory duty, I have now opened an inquest touching on Ronald's death and this hearing now stands adjourned for the completion of further inquires. I would like to share my very sincere condolences to Ronald's family and friends in relation to their sad loss." He explained that Mr Hempsall was identified by a detective constable of Nottinghamshire Police following the incident.

The inquest will resume on a date yet to be fixed.

Speaking previously, sergeant Mark Baker said: "This was a tragic and upsetting incident for everyone involved and we are currently working to understand what happened.

Our thoughts today are with the victim's family who will be supported in the days ahead by specially trained officers."

References

1. ^ Retford (www.nottinghampost.com)
2. ^ road was closed in both directions (www.nottinghampost.com)
3. ^ police (www.nottinghampost.com)
4. ^ "tragic and upsetting" (www.nottinghampost.com)