A 61-year-old dad died after he suffered a medical episode while driving into a supermarket car park, an inquest heard today.
Owen Kyffin from Banbury in north Oxfordshire collapsed at the wheel of his car on February 22.
His car collided with a grey Skoda near to the entrance of Morrisons on Swan Close Road in Banbury, Oxford Coroner's Court was told.
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Iona Davies who was driving the car involved in the crash gave a witness statement that was read out at the inquest.
She explained that she was leaving the supermarket when she saw a car heading in her direction.
The driver did not appear to be responsive and was slumped at the wheel.
Ms Davies explained that the crash was unavoidable, but it was at a low speed and that air bags were not deployed in the collision.
Mr Kyffin was the director of Banbury based accounting firm Whitley Stimpson from 2007 to 2023.
He has been described by his colleagues as instrumental to the firm.
In an online tribute, Whitley Stimpson wrote: “We are devastated to have to announce the sudden passing of our director, friend, and colleague – Owen Kyffin.
“Owen worked at Whitley Stimpson for over 15 years.
“He was instrumental to our firm, supporting younger members of the team, and helping hundreds of clients achieve their business objectives.
“He went above and beyond and for this he was well respected across the Oxfordshire business community.”
The 61-year-old was also a former president of Banbury Cricket Club.
The club posted on their webpage: “Banbury Cricket Club are shocked and devastated to announce the sudden passing of Owen Kyffin, aged just 61.
“Owen served proudly as President in 2014 and 2015 and was a hugely respected friend and member of the club.
“Our thoughts are with Owen’s friends, family and all that knew him.”
Paramedics and members of the public attempted to save Mr Kyffin’s life by performing CPR in the Morrisons car park, the inquest heard.
But there was nothing that could be done to save him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene at around 5.20pm.
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The inquest heard the 61-year-old’s cause of death was given as hemothorax, rib fracture and hypertension.
Hemothorax is when blood collects between your chest wall and lungs.
Oxford Coroner’s Court was told that Mr Kyffin had suffered a number of falls in the months leading up to his death.
Assistant coroner Joanna Coleman concluded that the death was an accident.
She explained that the haemorrhage was likely caused by injuries Mr Kyffin had sustained in a previous incident.
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