A tragic incident claimed the life of a prison officer in a motorbike crash involving a colleague’s car. On October 31, in the vicinity of HMP Long Lartin, Ryan Horton, 29, was riding his red Honda CB500 motorcycle when the accident occurred.
Details of the Incident
The accident took place on Sheenhill Road, near Honeybourne. Mr. Horton lost control of his motorcycle, crossing the central reservation and colliding with a Nissan Leaf driven by Judith Coles, who was just concluding her shift at the prison. The crash unfolded quickly, leaving Ms. Coles with no time to react, as she described the event occurring in a mere split second.
Emergency Response
- Time of accident: 7:02 PM
- Ambulance arrival: 7:30 PM
After the crash, Ms. Coles managed to flag down a passing vehicle to summon help. Two nurses from Long Lartin Prison also responded in an effort to assist Mr. Horton. Unfortunately, despite their attempts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation Findings
West Mercia Police examined footage from Mr. Horton’s motorcycle, which supported the sequence of events leading up to the accident. According to the police report, the motorcycle seemed to slow slightly while in the incorrect lane just before impact.
The conditions at the time were clear and damp, with the road surface deemed in good shape. The report noted that Mr. Horton had failed to properly navigate the curve on Sheenhill Road.
Medical Background
Ryan Horton was born on June 25, 1996, in Redditch. He had a history of osteogenesis imperfecta and asthma, but there were no significant medical issues noted. Toxicology tests confirmed that he had no alcohol or drugs in his system at the time of the crash.
Inquest Conclusion
At the inquest, senior coroner David Reid concluded that Mr. Horton’s death was due to multiple injuries sustained in the traffic collision. A heartfelt tribute from his brother, Jamie, highlighted Mr. Horton as a caring individual dedicated to his work within the prison service.
Mr. Reid extended his condolences to Mr. Horton’s family, acknowledging the difficulties they have faced in the wake of this tragedy.
