THE inquest into the death of a motorcyclist who died after losing control of his bike has heard how he fought for almost a month before succumbing to his injuries.
David Anthony Forward, 41, a self- employed fencer, had been taking a corner on his blue Yamaha 600cc bike when it left the B1225 Caistor High Street at Thoresway, near Market Rasen, and hit a wall on August 12, 2009.
The court heard how despite the "best efforts" of staff at Lincoln County Hospital, he died on September 9, 2009 from multiple organ failure and sepsis due to his injuries, which included bruising on his brain, 11 fractured ribs, a fractured arm and two spinal fractures as well as a head injury.
The coroner's court at Lincoln Registry Office yesterday heard how Mr Forward, from Grimsby, had not yet passed his test and was driving on a provisional licence, but had clocked up more than 9,000 miles in less than a year of owning the bike.
A statement from friend Michael Richie read out in court said: "He was out every opportunity he could when the weather was good.
"He was a competent rider and always willing to seek advice and listen and learn."
Evidence showed that on the day of accident, Mr Forward had gone out with three friends on a ride, when he lost control on a right-hand turn.
He had drifted onto the verge but applied the front brake, forcing him into a slide, sending him across the road and slamming him into a wall headfirst, cracking his helmet.
Mr Forward had been going no more than 40mph, witnesses said.
"I was saying in my head 'don't pull the front brake, don't pull the front brake, don't pull the front break," said Mr Richie. "It was the slowest, most ridiculous accident I have ever seen."
Immediately after the crash, Mr Forward was conscious and talking, but his condition got steadily worse over the next month, the court heard. Giving evidence at the inquest yesterday, Dr Edward Cowley, consultant in critical care and anaesthesia at Lincoln County Hospital, told the court how his team had "done everything" to ensure Mr Forward would still be able to walk after discovering the cracks in his spine.
"The view that we took was that there was little point in saving a man's life to have him paralysed from the neck down," said Dr Cowley.
"Therefore, paramount above all was not to paralyse him if he was not already paralysed."
He added that severe fevers and further complications led to more brain damage, and after talks with Mr Forward's family, treatment was stopped.
Giving his verdict, deputy assistant coroner Paul Smith said: "In isolation his injures were serious; in totality they were life-threatening.
"Sadly, Mr Forward died as a result of those injuries, despite the best efforts of the medical professionals at Lincoln County Hospital. I record a verdict of accidental death."
source: thisislincolnshire.co.uk
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