Teenager died after cycle accident

A mother and father have paid tribute to their teenage son who died after he was knocked off his bicycle as he travelled to work.

Daniel Ashton, aged 19, from Great Preston, was killed in the accident as he biked to Vallely Tanker Engineering, in Ledston Luck, on 25th March, 2008. He was knocked down on the A656 as he prepared to turn into the site.

At a hearing at Leeds Coroner’s Court today, West Yorkshire Coroner David Hinchcliffe recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Daniel’s parents Barry and Tracy Ashton said: “Daniel was a wonderful, hard-working son who is greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
 
“Not a day goes by without us thinking about the joy he brought into our lives and how that was cut short before he had chance to enter the prime of his life. The pain of that loss will never go away.”

Irwin Mitchell partner and head and spinal injuries expert Jane Horton, who is representing the family, said: “Barry and Tracy have been left devastated by Daniel’s tragic death and it speaks volumes for them that they have dealt with this inquest so well.

“Unfortunately, due to the lack of independent witness evidence at the time of Daniel’s tragic road traffic crash, the family will never know precisely what happened and why their son was killed.

“In addition, this case highlights a long-standing obstacle faced by bereaved parents – in the eyes of the legal system there is no recognition of the loss and grief they encounter when their child is aged 18 or older.”