Motorcyclist who died in Powys road collision suffered catastrophic head injury, inquest hears
Motorcyclist who died in Powys road collision suffered catastrophic head injury, inquest hears
A motorcyclist who died following a Powys road collision, suffered a catastrophic head injury, an inquest has heard.
Melvin Austin was a rider of a motorcycle in a two vehicle collision involving a white Citroen Berlingo van and a red Kawasaki motorbike on the A4067 near Cray, south Powys on Wednesday, August 26 2026.
Mr Austin, 73, passed away at the scene of the crash as a result of the injuries he sustained.
An inquest was opened at Pontypridd Coroner's Court on Thursday by South Wales Central Area Coroner Ms Rachel Knight.
She heard Mr Austin's death was reported by Dyfed Powys Police and he was identified by a family member.
A post mortem carried out by Dr Nadim Burke of the Royal Glamorgan Hospital gave a provisional cause of death as catastrophic blunt force traumatic head injury but toxicology tests are pending.
Mr Austin lived at Ystalyfera and was born in Ynyswen on October 15 1952.
Ms Knight said there was reason to believe Mr Austin's death may have been unnatural and she adjourned the inquest for further information. A full inquest will be arranged at a later date.
She expressed sincere condolences to Mr Austin's friends and family.
In a tribute, his family said: “We as a family are devastated by the loss of our beloved Melvin Austin, known affectionally as 'Mel'.
“For 55 wonderful years, he was a devoted husband and soulmate to his wife Caron, he was a loving father, grand-father and great grandfather whose family meant everything to him.
“Mel’s kindness, warmth and love touched the lives of everyone that knew him.
“He will deeply missed by his childhood friend, whose friendship spanned a lifetime filled with countless memories of their shared love of motorbikes. They both shared a great passion for riding and were avid riders creating many unforgettable experiences together along the way.
“Mel will be remembered with great affection and missed more than words can say.”
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or has any information that could assist enquiries, is asked to get in touch online at https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/, via email at [email protected] or by calling 101
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Quote ref: DP-20260826-148
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