Student killed after he lost control on bend
A MUSIC student died after losing control of his car on a bend and hitting a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction.
Guto Pugh suffered multiple injuries in the three-car crash on the A496 near Barmouth, an inquest heard last week.
The 21-year-old was driving a Citroen C2 on his way to work at the town’s Bae Abermaw Hotel.
Perry Sherwood, who was driving in the opposite direction with partner Adrianna Fennah, told the hearing in Caernarfon that he had slowed down as the road was “damp” at a bend going towards Dolgellau.
“The next thing I know, the car was right on us. It came towards us and turned across the road,” he added.
Mr Sherwood said Mr Pugh’s car collided with a Ford Fiesta in front of him and his car then went into the rear of the Fiesta.
He said Mr Pugh’s car was “going at a significant speed”. He went to Mr Pugh’s aid but he had died at the scene, said Mr Sherwood.
North Wales Police forensic examiner Philip Jones said none of the cars had a defect, apart from the Citroen, which had a worn ball joint that could have affected its steering.
Police accident investigator Gordon Saynor said Mr Pugh’s actions were the “catalyst” for causing the accident on August 20 last year.
Mr Pugh, who was in his second year at Bangor University, had managed to negotiate worse bends before the accident, added Mr Saynor.
Family friend Emrys Roberts described him as a “careful and slow driver”.
Pathologist Dr Mark Lord said Mr Pugh, of Pantperthog, near Machynlleth, had died after suffering “multiple injuries.”
Recording a conclusion of accidental death, coroner Dewi Pritchard Jones said: “Mr Pugh went into that bend at a speed that was higher than was safe.
“It could have been the speed – but we can’t be sure – that caused the accident.”
At the time of his death, Mr Pugh was described as a “muchloved son of Betty and Elwyn”.
Tributes poured in for the talented musician who played with a number of bands, including Band Pres Porthaethwy and Bangor University’s brass band.
Following his death, Bae Abermaw Hotel, where he worked as a waiter, said: “Guto was an amazing person and he kept us all smiling. “He will be sorely missed.” Band Pres Porthaethwy described him as a “top bandsman who will be missed by many”, while a spokesperson for Bangor University Brass Band said: “If you met Guto, you’d know what a gentle, lovely and talented person he was.
“This is a great loss to the band, the university and the world.”