Tragedy of ‘bright’ young man whose ‘demons overtook his dreams of achievement’
PARENTS’ TRIBUTE TO RED, WHO DIED AGED 29
THE parents of a young man who died following an incident on the A1 near Newark say his “demons overtook his dreams of achievement”.
Redford Adams-oakley, known as Red, was described as “the fastest on the rugby pitch and the funniest off it” by his heartbroken parents Colin and Sarah.
Mr Adams-oakley, who had battled alcohol misuse and mental health problems, died from head injuries following the incident on the evening of October 24, 2023. He was just 29 years old.
An inquest was told on Monday that Mr Adams-oakley, from Newark, died after he was struck by a moving vehicle on a northbound slip road of the A1, moments after he fell from a bridge above.
In her conclusion, coroner Beth Brown, said how a man was driving on the slip road when he saw “something dark on the road” and had little to no time to react and drove over what he believed to be an object. The driver pulled over immediately after the collision and emergency services were contacted.
The court heard evidence from PC David Abbott, a forensic collision investigator of Nottinghamshire Police, that Mr Adams-oakley was wearing black tracksuit trousers, black leather boots, a dark blue jacket, a black T-shirt, blue thermal leggings, black and grey socks, and black shorts.
PC Abbott told inquest that the driver had no pre-existing health concerns that could have led to the collision to take place, and he was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and was also not using his mobile phone at the time of the incident.
There were also no mechanical defects to the car he was driving that could have caused or contributed to the collision and he was driving at an estimated speed of 30-40mph.
PC Abbott said: “The reactionary time for a driver for an unexpected hazard in these circumstances is one and a half seconds, but that reactionary time can change depending on age, weather, or light available.”
Reading her narrative conclusion, the coroner said: “This is an extremely sad case of a bright young man who seems to have struggled with alcohol and his mental health over a number of years.
“In the days immediately preceding his death this seems to have worsened and his behaviour became more erratic with numerous interactions with police. But at no point were there concerns flagged by him about any intention to harm himself or suicidal ideation.
“I just want to say how terribly sorry I am for your loss. I hope as you move forward, you can look back and have that Chinese lentil plant to remember Red.”
The inquest was told that Mr Adams-oakley, who was “significantly under the influence of alcohol” at the time of his death, had struggled with mental health and alcohol misuse for a number of years. His family was “supportive and caring” and tried to help him overcome his problematic drinking.
A family statement read in court by DC Liah Lane, Nottinghamshire Police family liaison officer, on behalf of Mr Adams-oakley’s parents, described how he “was an avid gym attendee, and even considered exploring nutrition and personal training as a job”.
He had a vegetable patch at his parents’ house where he was growing strawberries, tomatoes, and Chinese lentil, which his parents, Colin Oakley and Sarah Adams-oakley, “will treasure and nurture”.
After his death, they found notes and poems amongst his belongings that, whilst not dated or contemporaneous, seemed to indicate the downward spiral that his parents felt he was on in the weeks prior to his death.
In a statement, Colin and Sarah, who were present at the hearing at Nottingham Council House, described their son as “the fastest on the rugby pitch and the funniest off it”.
The statement reads: “Sadly, on October 24, 2023, Red Oakley decided to leave behind his emotional and mental pain after being unable to find peace in this world. He struggled through life and his demons overtook his dreams of achievement.
“We hope he is now able to find that peace. Red will be remembered for his great triumphs playing for Southwell Rugby Club club and his love to discuss a range of issues, never one to hide his opinions to create a reaction
“Our feelings are forever visceral. He left an indelible footprint on our hearts. He will be missed, never forgotten and tears will always be shed. In memory of Red, donations can be made to the Salvation Army.”
Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org