Accidental death verdict for well-known Island artist

Simon Buttimore lost control of his motorbike in January

A verdict of accidental death has been recorded at the inquest into the death of a well-known Island artist.

Fifty-six-year-old Simon Buttimore of Kerrowmoar, Sulby came off his bike on the Everlasting Bend in Laxey in January this year.

He died in the intensive care unit at Noble's Hospital from injuries sustained in the crash three days later.

Coroner of Inquests John Needham read out a number of witness statements from those who came to Mr Buttimore's aid.

All those who gave statements mentioned the icy condition of the road, saying it was slippery and appeared not to have been gritted.

The incident happened at around 11pm on Friday 15 January when an 'amber warning' had been issued by the Met Office that day.

Witnesses described seeing Mr Buttimore’s leg trapped under the Honda motorbike he was travelling on. He was found with no helmet on. 

Civil maintenance manager at the Department of Infrastructure Alan Hardinge – the man responsible for making sure the roads are treated appropriately in wintry conditions - gave evidence in court.

He said the Laxey to Ramsey coast road where the Everlasting Bend lies, had been given precautionary treatment by DoI teams.

An industry standard quantity of salt was applied at around 7.30pm -around three-and-a-half hours before Mr Buttimore crashed. This evidence was backed up by police.

Giving evidence, PC Peter Dyer from the Roads Policing Unit said after a search of the scene, a fastened crash helmet was recovered.

However, the inquest was told investigations suggest the helmet came off in the process of the collision.

The explanation given as to why the helmet was found buckled-up was that a witness had fastened and moved it, whilst helping Mr Buttimore.

There were no grazes or marks on Mr Buttimore’s head to suggest it was fastened when he crashed – it should be noted he was riding at no more than 25mph.

An inspection revealed defects on the bike. Problems with the rear tyre and suspension suggest it wasn't roadworthy at the time of the incident.

Mr Needham said the icy and slippery condition of the road was the primary reason for the collision – although he did add problems with the bike ‘can't have helped’.

The coroner concluded the serious injuries sustained in the crash, notably a fractured skull and brain haemorrhage, were down to Mr Buttimore having a ‘very heavy impact with the road surface’.

It was found the road had been pre-treated appropriately with salt - but the sub-zero temperature of the surface and icy conditions were what led to Mr Buttimore losing control of his machine.

No other vehicles were involved, and a verdict of accidental death was recorded.

Mr Needham passed on his condolences to the family of Mr Buttimore – who were present in court – and said he would be greatly missed by all those who knew him.