New dad died in motorbike accident (From South Wales Guardian)

New dad died in motorbike accident

3:00pm Thursday 27th September 2012 in News

FORMER Betws man died after coming off his motorbike while overtaking on the A49 in Shropshire an inquest heard this week.

Christopher Jones was known to his friends as Taff or Papa and was a petty officer for 846 Naval Air Squadron.

The inquest heard the 37- year-old arranged to go on a bike ride with his friend Wayne Griffiths on February 26.

But while trying to overtake a Transit van heading north near Ashton, Mr Jones lost control of his Honda motorbike and crashed.

Mr Jones was confirmed dead at the scene by paramedics shortly after they arrived.

“I think he hit something in the road and from there he had gone over the line andwas unable to control the bike,”

said Mr Griffiths.

PC Alan Paton said that there were two metal inspection covers on the centre of the road, which Mr Jones may have hit prior to him crashing.

“We liased with the Highways Agency to see what they were and they had no concerns at all,” he said.

Mr Jones’ widow, Kerry, told the inquest that her husband used to ride in all kinds of weathers and went on trips with his friends.

“I went on the back of him on numerous occasions – he was an accomplished motorcyclist,” she said.

The inquest heard that the weather was fine and dry and there was nothing mechanically wrong with Mr Jones’ motorbike.

Deputy coroner Roland Wooderson recorded a verdict of accidental death.

In addition to his widow, Mr Jones leaves a baby daughter, Scarlett.