An inquest has been opened into the death of a pensioner who died following a crash on the A66 near Keswick.
Tributes were paid following a collision which claimed the life of Thomas Norman Hurst, 84, known as Norman and from the Silloth area.
Police and members of other emergency services responded just after 9.05am on Friday March 1. This followed reports of a two-vehicle collision involving a red Citroen Picasso and a white Vauxhall Combo van east of Keswick.
An inquest into Mr Hurst’s death was opened this morning at Cockermouth coroners’ court.
Robert Cohen, a Cumbria coroner, said of the reported circumstances: “On that day he was driving a motor vehicle, namely a red Citroen Picasso along the A66 near Thornthwaite garage, Braithwaite, Keswick, when a road traffic collision occurred in the course of which Mr Hurst died.”
Police had said a passenger in the Picasso — a woman aged in her 50s — and the van driver — a man in his 30s — were taken to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle with serious injuries.
A statement confirming Mr Hurst’s identity had been provided by the daughter of his former partner.
Mr Cohen also said during today’s hearing: “The court has been informed that investigations are in train on the part of the Chief Constable of Cumbria police in respect of the circumstances of Mr Hurst’s death.
“In those circumstances it appears to me appropriate that I should suspend the inquest of Mr Hurst until further order, awaiting further information from the investigating authorities.”
In a tribute released after the death of retired joiner Mr Hurst, his family said he had lived life to the fullest.
“The sudden and unexpected loss of Norman has come as such a shock, as he was an integral part of our lives,” they stated.
“He was a fiercely loyal man, who would do anything for those closest to him. His unique sense of humour will not be forgotten. Norman will be greatly missed.”
