A tragic incident occurred as a son clung to the roof of a Land Rover submerged in a river while trying to rescue his father and two friends trapped inside. The inquest revealed that Scott Thomas Daddy, Leslie Forbes, and Kenneth Patrick Hibbins lost their lives while attempting to cross a ford on the River Esk in North Yorkshire. The swollen river proved to be three-and-a-half feet higher than usual at the crossing near Glaisdale on December 28 the previous year. The men, all experienced 4×4 drivers, were participating in a ‘green laning’ event organised by their club.
Robert Forbes, son of Leslie Forbes and also in the vehicle, recounted how they collectively agreed it was safe to cross the ford. Despite initial hesitations from others, the Land Rover, driven by Mr. Forbes, ventured into the water. Tragically, the vehicle was swept away halfway across the river, ultimately sinking. Emergency services located the submerged Land Rover with Robert Forbes desperately clinging to the roof in a rescue attempt.
Robert Forbes, visibly distressed during his testimony, detailed their unsuccessful efforts to open the electronically operated windows and doors of the vehicle due to the force of the water. Despite being a seasoned green laner, he found himself unable to save his father and friends as the Land Rover succumbed to the river’s powerful current. Rescued by farmers and firefighters, Robert Forbes had minimal recollection of the events following the incident.
The inquest revealed the challenges faced by emergency services in retrieving the vehicle from the fast-moving river. Compounded by the presence of a dog cage inside the Land Rover, escape attempts were further impeded. Tragically, the bodies of the three men were recovered in the afternoon, confirming their cause of death as drowning. Senior coroner Jonathan Leach concluded the incident as a misadventure.
The harrowing account underscores the dangers associated with off-roading activities and serves as a poignant reminder of the risks involved in navigating natural water obstacles. The loss of Scott Thomas Daddy, Leslie Forbes, and Kenneth Patrick Hibbins stands as a stark reminder of the inherent perils faced during adventurous pursuits such as green laning.