Inquest into death of Crosby man concluded following crash on Whitebridge Road

Accidental death verdict recorded by coroner of inquests

**A warning that this story contains information which some readers may find distressing.**

A verdict of accidental death has been recorded at the inquest of a Crosby man who died last year.

Robert George Kissack was hit by a car whilst crossing the carriageway on Whitebridge Road, in Onchan, in the early hours of 29 December.

The 22-year-old had taken a taxi to the area with a friend for an after-party following a night out in Douglas.

At around 3.30am, he walked his friend across the road to the entrance of the Manx Fun Farm for her taxi home.

Whilst attempting to cross back again, Mr Kissack was struck by a BMW travelling at around 60mph.

Douglas Courthouse heard from the driver of the car, who had attempted to stop when they saw Mr Kissack around 1.3metres from their vehicle.

They had seen the lights of the taxi ahead whilst travelling on the unrestricted road and had turned their headlights from full to dipped so as not to dazzle the driver.

Whilst giving evidence to the court, PC Daniel Joyce, an experienced collisions investigations officer, said it was so dark that evening that 'you couldn't see your hand in front of your face'.

He said he 'didn't believe [the driver] could've braked any earlier than [they] did'.

Further police statements also revealed the driver had provided a zero reading for intoxicants during a breathalyser test and had passed a drug wipe.

No charges were brought against them.

The inquest heard the driver had travelled to Douglas in the early hours of the morning to collect two friends from a night out.

After the collision, one of the passengers, a soldier trained in first aid, led efforts to resuscitate Mr Kissack.

Douglas Courthouse heard Mr Kissack, who was well known in the Island's farming community, died as a result of 'extensive and serious head and brain injuries' which meant he 'died extremely rapidly'.

The coroner of inquests found that he 'would've took the view that he could cross [the road] safely'; but may have misjudged the situation having consumed alcohol earlier in the evening.

A PROPER FARMER

In her statement, Mr Kissack's friend said he 'lit up a room' and she described him as giving off a 'big brother vibe', saying he cared for all those around him.

She said he was 'a proper farmer' who 'always seemed like a happy guy'.

The coroner of inquests praised the efforts of the driver's two passengers for their resuscitation attempts and handling of the situation until emergency services arrived.

He described it as a 'tragedy' that those attempts were unsuccessful.

Expressing his condolences to Mr Kissack's family, James Brooks said it was a 'tragic loss' made more so given his young age.

If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this story, there are details of local organisations that provide advice and support HERE.