A POPULAR 77-year-old died after he failed to take a bend in a "split-second" collision.
Barry Robert Brown, from Louth, was driving a Vauxhall Corsa towards home after visiting Cleethorpes, with his wife Iris, at the time of the incident, an inquest heard.
The couple were on the A16 at Brackenborough, known locally as Cordeaux Corner, on December 4 when Mr Brown crossed the central road markings and collided with an oncoming car.
The inquest was told how Colin Hancock, from Collingham, was driving a Volkswagen Scirocco in the opposite direction, with his wife and sister-in-law as passengers, travelling northbound on the A16 to visit Donna Nook.
A third vehicle, a Chrysler Grand Voyager driven by Lee Eyres, from Holton-le-Clay, was behind Mr Brown, with his wife and five daughters.
There is a solid white line on the bend due to restricted visibility in both directions, and evidence given at the inquest heard that Mr Brown carried straight on over the bend, crossing the centre markings.
Within a "split-second", he collided with the Scirocco, causing both cars to turn clockwise. Mr Eyres had no time to react and collided with the Corsa.
Mr Hancock said: "I braced myself. I just knew it was going to hit me and there was no way of avoiding it."
Mr Brown suffered multiple injuries and died at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital.
He and his wife, married for 53 years, had been Christmas shopping at Pennells Garden Centre that morning.
They enjoyed a car picnic at Cleethorpes seafront, something they regularly did.
Mrs Brown described her husband as an impeccable and excellent driver, who knew the road "ever so well".
On the journey home Mr Brown, who cycled twice a day to help relieve back pain, said he would be going out on his bike when he got home.
The inquest heard there were no defects to any of the vehicles and the road condition and signage were good.
Excessive speed was not a factor and neither were weather conditions.
Assistant Deputy Coroner Paul Smith said it was clear that none of the drivers had the opportunity to take avoiding action.
He added: "What is less clear is why Mr Brown would have driven in this manner.
"He had a number of pre-existing health problems but he was in good general health and was planning a cycle ride on his return home."
Mr Smith recorded that Mr Brown died as the result of an accident.
ON THE WEB: Mr Brown was an ardent Louth Town fan, and the club paid tribute to him after his death – see how on www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk
