Inquest into death of motorcyclist Drew Simpson on A44 near Woodstock

Drew Macauley Simpson, 25, was said to have been going at excess speed when he lost control of his bike at a right hand bend on the A44 north of Woodstock on the evening of May 25. The Witney man died the following day during emergency surgery at John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.

Coroner Darren Salter said he would write to Oxfordshire County Council’s highways department after he was told that one of the warning signs on the approach to the bend was ‘twisted’ and a  chevron board on the turn was partly-covered by foliage – since cut back.

“We are really talking about speed and perhaps a rider error as being the cause here, [but] there is also the issue about warning signs not being visible,” Mr Salter said.

“I don’t know how well Drew knew the location. He might have known the location reasonably well.

“But, generally speaking, clearly it’s not helpful if warning signs [of] an advanced bend aren’t there to be seen and one of the two deviation boards on the bend couldn’t be seen because of overhanging tree [foliage].

“I think I’ll just write to the highways authority, Oxfordshire County Council, and just point out the circumstances, provide them with a copy of the collision investigator’s report.”

He would ask the council to note the conclusions from the report ‘in terms of regular inspections that do generally take place on highways’ and pay particular attention to the A44 bend where the crash happened.

Earlier, Oxford Coroner’s Court heard that there was no record of reported collisions on that section of road in the past five years. White lines, which were due to be repainted later last year, had been painted and the foliage cut back from the chevron sign.

Drew Simpson Picture: Thames Valley Police/Family

A Thames Valley Police crash investigator was unable to say for certain how quickly Mr Simpson was riding when he came off his bike, but was able to say his motorcycle was over the speed limit.

Other members of the group with whom he was riding said they were doing between 60mph and 80mph and that Mr Simpson had passed them before losing control at the bend. He had bought the Yamaha bike some 17 days before the crash.

The coroner recorded a conclusion of road traffic collision.

In a moving statement released last year, Mr Simpson’s family said his ‘generosity knew no bounds’.

“His passion for everything he undertook was admirable and his loyalty was unquestionable,” they said. 

“Our hearts are broken forever but the outpouring of love in both conversation and messages received by so many has been of great comfort.

“All of our beautiful memories of our treasured son will never dilute, he will live on in our hearts for an eternity. Rest easy son, you were a beautiful soul, a real living angel.”

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward