Dad's agony over family deaths
Members of a Shropshire family were too grief-stricken to attend the inquest of a pregnant mum and her son who died after being struck by a car in Shrewsbury. Members of a Shropshire family were too grief-stricken to attend the inquest of a pregnant mum and her son who died after being struck by a car in Shrewsbury. A solicitor for Steve Piggott described how the loss of his wife, their unborn child and his seven-year-old son caused more pain than could ever be imagined. Sarah Piggott, 42, and her son, Simon, died after the accident in Robertson Way, Monkmoor, as they walked home on June 26 last year. Doctors were unable to save her unborn baby, whom Mr Piggott later named Sullivan. John Ellery, Coroner for Mid and north Shropshire, yesterday recorded a verdict of accidental death on both Mrs Piggott and her son. Picture: The Piggott family, back from left, Scott, Sophie and Sam Piggott; front, Simon and Sarah Piggott, who died in the accident, and father Stephen Piggott. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Sarah Piggott, 42, and her son, Simon, died after the accident in Robertson Way, Monkmoor, as they walked home on June 26 last year.
Doctors were unable to save her unborn baby, whom Mr Piggott later named Sullivan.
John Ellery, Coroner for Mid and north Shropshire, yesterday recorded a verdict of accidental death on both Mrs Piggott and her son.
He said: "This is a most tragic case involving the death of a mother, her seven-year-old son and of course, her unborn child who was one week overdue.
"I'm sure everyone would join me in offering my condolences to the family for this tragic loss."
Neil Lorimer, of Lanyon Bowdler solicitors, told the inquest: "This is a terribly upsetting and tragic accident. I cannot imagine the pain the Piggott family have endured. Our thoughts are with them as they face the tough times ahead.
"The inquest is part of the overall investigation into the circumstances of the accident, following which legal action may follow."
The inquest heard Mrs Piggott died of a haemorrhage due to multiple injuries and Simon died from skull fractures.
Mr Ellery said there appeared to have been two separate impacts - one at less than 30mph, when Mrs Piggott and Simon were injured and thrown forwards, and a second impact when they were run over.
Christopher Ballantyne, the driver of the vehicle, gave evidence at the hearing.
Mr Ellery also heard from Christopher Taylor, a police collision investigator who has since retired. He said he considered it likely Simon and his mum were struck by the car for a second time.
The Piggotts had been married for 22 years and have three other children, Sam, Sophie and Scott.
Picture: The Piggott family, back from left, Scott, Sophie and Sam Piggott; front, Simon and Sarah Piggott, who died in the accident, and father Stephen Piggott.
By Rebecca Lawrence
