A tragic incident unfolded on a busy road in Rhondda Cynon Taf, resulting in the death of 17-year-old Morgan Osborne. The teen met with a fatal accident when the car he was driving veered across the road and collided with another vehicle. The events leading up to the crash were narrated in an inquest at Pontypridd Coroners’ Court, shedding light on the moments before the fatal collision and the heart-wrenching aftermath.
As per the testimony of a friend who was accompanying Osborne in the car, he had raised concerns about the speed at which they were travelling just moments before the accident. The friend, Shay Owen, recounted how he had urged Osborne to slow down as they approached a left-hand bend on the A4093 at Hendreforgan, Gilfach Goch. Despite the warning, the car failed to negotiate the bend successfully, leading to the devastating collision with an oncoming Nissan Qashqai driven by Sami Kearns.
The inquest, conducted by Senior Coroner Graeme Hughes, painted a grim picture of the events on the afternoon of October 6, 2022. The investigation revealed that Osborne’s Ford Fiesta had entered the opposite carriageway while attempting to navigate the bend at a speed deemed unsafe for the road conditions. The collision not only resulted in Osborne’s tragic demise two weeks later but also left a lasting impact on all those involved in the incident.
Eye-witnesses and forensic collision investigators provided crucial insights into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Statements from individuals at the scene, including Nurse Ruth Stone and Jonathan Guy, conflicted with the findings of the South Wales Police forensic team regarding Osborne’s seatbelt usage. The discrepancies highlighted the complexity of piecing together the sequence of events leading up to the fatal collision and underscored the challenges faced in understanding the exact chain of events.
PC Steven Evans, a forensic collision investigation officer, shared insights into the speed at which Osborne was travelling and the implications of it on the tragic outcome. The collision not only resulted in physical injuries but also led to a severe brain injury for Osborne, ultimately proving fatal. The medical cause of Osborne’s death, recorded as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), underscored the catastrophic consequences of the road traffic collision.
In the aftermath of Osborne’s untimely passing, his family conveyed heartfelt tributes, painting a poignant picture of a vibrant young life lost too soon. Described as a beloved son, brother, and friend, Osborne’s presence was cherished by all who knew him. The emotional impact of his loss reverberated through the community, leaving behind memories of a young man who lived life to the fullest and brought joy to those around him.
The inquest proceedings, while shedding light on the circumstances of the tragic incident, also raised questions about road safety and the importance of adhering to speed limits and safety regulations. The harrowing tale of Morgan Osborne’s final moments serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the far-reaching consequences of a single lapse in judgement on the road. As the community mourns the loss of a bright young soul, the echoes of this tragedy resonate as a call for vigilance and caution on the roads.