An inquest into the death of a retired farmer in an A6 road collision south of Penrith has been suspended pending the outcome of a police investigation.
The collision which involved a HGV and bicycle took place at around 11.40am on Wednesday, January 28.
Cyclist Peter John Cox, 78, suffered serious injuries. Members of the emergency services, including an air ambulance crew, attended the scene.
Mr Cox died at the scene.
“Police are investigating and are encouraging anyone who witnessed the collision or the moments leading up to it, or anyone who has dash cam which may be of assistance — or anyone else who can assist — to come forward,” police said in a statement after the incident.
An inquest into Mr Cox’s death was formally opened at HM Coroners’ office and inquest court in Workington this morning.
This task was performed by area coroner Margaret Taylor during a short hearing.
Mr Cox, she noted, was a retired farmer, born in Tunbridge Wells and widowed, who had latterly lived in the village of Lowther, near Penrith.
Ms Taylor confirmed that she would be suspending the inquest proceedings at this stage.
She said: “The reason for the suspension is that there is a police investigation into the circumstances in which Mr Cox — who was travelling northbound on a stretch of road on the A6 towards Hackthorpe — became involved in a road collision which has led to his death.”
That police enquiry took priority, said Ms Taylor.
Pending the outcome, the coroner said a decision would be taken about whether or not the inquest proceedings would resume.
