Rally co-driver killed by tree stump

A motorsports enthusiast from Wolverhampton died accidentally after the rally car he was competing in as a co-driver with a friend smashed into a tree in a competition in Holland - an inquest has heard.

Ray Lloyd, who was aged 56, died in the Conrad Euregio Rally in Hengelo, Holland, in November 2007.

Popular Mr Lloyd lived in Fairview Road, Penn, and was vice-president of Wolverhampton & South Staffs Car Club. He was killed travelling in a BMW 325i driven by his friend of more than 20 years, Richard Felgate.

At an inquest, Wolverhampton Coroners Court heard yesterday that a physician's report found the cause of death to be cerebral trauma following Mr Lloyd's severe head injuries.

Mr Felgate, of Bridgnorth, told the court he and Mr Lloyd were familiar with the roads and conditions after taking a reconnaissance.

He said: "We came to a slippier part within the first few miles, the car slid on a corner but I thought it might just spin.

"'It was a situation we had certainly been in before. The car went onto the grass and continued to spin. There were trees on the outside and it made contact with one, which hit the passenger side. The car went onto its side and then landed on its roof."

Mr Felgate later found out that the stump of the tree had come through the passenger window, striking Mr Lloyd on the head and piercing the skin of the car roof at the same time.

Coroner Richard Allen recorded a verdict of accidental death.