Inquest opens on motorcyclist, 51, killed in crash near Shrewsbury

Wayne Pitchford, aged 51, was injured and taken to hospital with what were believed to be minor injuries when his black Suzuki left the road and ended up on a grass verge on the B5062 between Roden and High Ercall on June 18.

The project manager was found by an off-duty officer shortly after the accident happened at about midday. He stayed with him until an ambulance arrived.

The hearing was told that no other vehicle was involved in the accident. Mr Pitchford, of Hyde Lea, Stafford, was taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for treatment but was discharged after five days.

Shropshire coroner’s officer Julie Hartridge told the hearing: “Due to complications in his recovery he was admitted to hospital.”

Mr Pitchford, a married man, died at Royal Stoke University Hospital on July 22.

Shropshire Coroner Mr John Ellery adjourned the case until November when it will be heard at Shirehall, in Shrewsbury.

Earlier this week West Mercia Police launched an investigation into his death and has appealed for witnesses to telephone 101, quoting incident number 342s of June 18.