Ethan Jake Wright · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 22nd November 2021 I commenced an investigation into the tragic death of Ethan
Jake WRIGHT

The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 21st July 2022. The
conclusion of the inquest was that:-

Ethan Wright, a 16-year-old boy, died from the serious head injuries he suffered
when the bicycle he was riding collided with a van, on the 17th November 2021
in Lowestoft, Suffolk.

Despite undergoing emergency surgery, Ethan’s injuries were not survivable,
and he passed away the following day on the 18th November 2021

The medical cause of death was confirmed as:

1a Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
1b Road Traffic Collision

Ethan Wright died at the Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge in Cambridgeshire on
the 18th November 2021.

Ethan had been admitted to the Addenbrookes Hospital on the 17th November 2021
following a collision between the bicycle he was riding and a van. The collision
occurred in Higher Drive, Lowestoft in Suffolk at approximately 10:10am on the 17th
November 2021.

Ethan rode from a public bridle way (Woods Lake West) onto Higher Drive, where his
bicycle hit the front nearside of the van, his head then hitting the near side A-pillar
between the windscreen and passenger door.

Ethan sustained serious injuries to his head and was subsequently airlifted to
Addenbrookes hospital, where despite surgical intervention he tragically succumbed
to his injuries the following day.

In evidence it was heard that the public bridleway, Woods Lake West, is
predominantly used by pedestrians and cyclists.

As part of the police investigation, photographs were provided that showed the area
where Woods Lake West joins Higher Drive.

Woods Lake West joins Higher Drive at approximately a 90-degree angle and vehicle
access to the Lake is prevented by two concrete bollards. These bollards are placed
wide enough apart as not to cause a hinderance to either cyclists or pedestrians.

When cycling from Woods Lake West onto Higher Drive, the view afforded of Higher
Drive is severely restricted by fencing, and it is only once a cyclist or pedestrian is on
the pavement of Higher Drive itself, are they afforded any view of the main road to
their right. This is the direction of travel of the van with which Ethan collided.

The police officer who investigated Ethan's tragic death, stated in evidence that there
was no physical barrier, or any other measure in place, that would make a cyclist or
fast-moving pedestrian slow down before entering Higher Drive. The police officer
was particularly concerned about children using the Lake as a cycle path, as these
young riders have a much lower perception of risk.

The officer was of the opinion that some physical means of preventing direct access
onto Higher Drive from Woods Lake West, or some other measure to ensure a cyclist
or fast-moving pedestrian slowed down on approaching Higher Drive, would prevent a
further tragedy at this location.