New grandmother dies after traffic collision, inquest hears

Rhyl Journal

3 days ago

Mary Owen-Jones of Dinerth Road, Rhos-on-Sea, had just become a grandmother when the incident took place near the main entrance of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd on January 1, 2023.
An inquest was held into the 51-year-old's death at County Hall in Ruthin on Friday, July 4.
At approximately 8.40pm, a car collided with her and she was taken to the emergency department in wheelchair.
Initially conscious but confused, Mrs Owen-Jones reported severe pain in her left ankle and leg at the time, but no obvious pain elsewhere.
Medics proceeded to take her to resus where she suffered a seizure. A CT scan revealed a fractured skull and internal brain injury.
A witness statement from the neurologist on shift described it as an 'unsurvivable injury.'
Mrs Owen-Jones was transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital where she sadly died two days later (January 3).
The inquest heard the driver of the vehicle had finished a long shift at the hospital and had been doing 15mph in an advisory 10mph zone.
A statement from NWP Sergeant Liam Morris states the driver recalls checking the junction twice, but did not see the pedestrian until she was immediately in front of the car.
Mr Stephen Hall had just finished a 12-hour-shift when he witnessed the accident.
He recalls the vehicle windscreen being misted due to cold temperatures, however, a forensic report could not support this.
Mr Ian Thomas, North Wales Police Forensic Officer, also states that the pedestrian wearing dark clothing against a dark background would also contribute to poor visibility.
A CCTV and dashcam analysis of the incident found no substantial evidence that could aid the investigation, again due to poor visibility of the area.
A motor garage further confirmed there had been no defaults with the vehicle at the time of the collision.
Senior coroner John Gittins said the events of New Year's Day 2023 were a real tragedy for a family who had just welcomed a new baby into the world.
Mr Gittins concludes the death as being caused by a road traffic collision, with medics confirming Mrs Owen-Jones had suffered a severe traumatic brain injury.
To the family, he said: "My heartfelt condolences to you all.
"This has emphasised the fragility of life."