Tristan Whyatt died after a crash on Burrow Road near Kirkby Lonsdale. He collided head-on with a Land Rover.
The inquest took place at Preston Coroner’s Court. Tristan worked as a service engineer in Rossendale. He was riding on a sunny, dry day on a rural road.
Police said hedgerows blocked views, hiding cars going the other way. Steven Robinson drove the Land Rover, coming from behind a hedge as Tristan was passing a Citroen.
Reports say both drivers tried to avoid the crash but did not have enough time. Both drivers were within the 60mph speed limit.
Tristan was born in Bury. He was airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital and died the next day from his injuries.
Steven Robinson said he was on a hands-free call, started earlier, when he approached an S-bend. He passed the Citroen and saw the motorcycle in the road’s center. Robinson said the bend was blind, and he could not see Tristan in time.
Tristan’s family released a statement later, saying Tristan loved cars and motorcycles and had ridden bikes since age 12. Friends said he was big, goofy, kind, and had a loud laugh.
His death shocked family and friends, who will always miss him. The family thanked officers and emergency staff, as well as the Royal Preston Hospital staff.
Dr. Roberts said organ failure caused the death, due to a road crash. The coroner, Chris Long, changed this detail, stating the crash itself isn’t a medical issue.
Mr. Long concluded the inquest, stating Tristan Whyatt died on October 22, 2024, at Royal Preston Hospital. He died after overtaking a car on his motorcycle and hitting a vehicle on a blind bend, which the other driver couldn’t avoid.