A motorcyclist killed in a crash after losing control of his Yamaha motorbike has been described as a "loveable rogue" and a "devoted father". Andrew Clark, 34, known locally as Clarky, died at the scene of the collision in Freemans Way, Havefordwest, at about 5.30pm on August 26 last year. An inquest in the town on Thursday heard how the former fisherman loved his motorbikes and worked hard to provide for his partner Debra Watts and their two young daughters.
Ms Watts, who first met Mr Clark at primary school, attended the inquest at County Hall in Pembrokeshire along with her mother and Mr Clark's siblings. In a report read out by coroner's officer PC James Lang it was heard how Mr Clark worked "long hours at sea" in order to provide for his family. Born to parents Tracey Clark and Mark Nicholls at Withybush Hospital in May 1988 he was described as a "risk-taker" and loved the adrenaline rush he got on his motorbike.
He was killed after he lost control of his motorbike on a dry and clear evening on August 26 in Freemans Way while heavy traffic queued in the opposite direction. Gary Rees, a forensic collision investigator, told the inquest that brake marks on the road indicated the motorbike had locked its rear wheel approximately 17m before impact.
As Mr Clark lost control of the bike it slid onto its side and hit a Peugeot on the opposite side of the road. Mr Clark, of Milford Haven, collided with the driver's side of the car and was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses reported seeing Mr Clark "wobble and lose control" moments before he hit the car.
Mr Rees said "this was not a low-speed impact" and the evidence suggested "an element of speed in the collision". It wasn't possible to determine how fast he was travelling however. Toxicology tests showed Mr Clark was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A post-mortem examination, carried out by Dr John Murphy at Glangwili Hospital, concluded that the cause of death was multiple injuries following a road traffic collision.
Gareth Lewis, assistant coroner for Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, said: "This tragic accident came about with Andrew Clark losing control of his motorcycle as he travelled along Freemans Way." He recorded a conclusion of a road traffic collision death and offered his condolences to the family.
Speaking during the inquest Mr Clark's brother Nathan described him as a "good man" and said: "We all miss him." Afterwards he added: "He was loved by many. It was just an unfortunate accident and it's shocked us all."
After the hearing Ms Watts' mother described Mr Clark as a "loveable rogue" and added: "He had a heart of gold. He didn't deserve this. He had two beautiful kids."
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