Biker who died in Kenya crash ‘forced into traffic’
A WELSH motorcyclist died in Kenya after being “forced” into oncoming traffic by a bus, an inquest has heard.
Father-of-two Michael Stephens, 57, died from his injuries after the crash in the Athi River area of the African country last September.
Yesterday Pontypridd Coroners’ Court heard how Mr Stephens, from Cwmparc, Rhondda, became a production manager in Bridgend with dart manufacturing company Nodor International.
Seventeen years ago he moved to Kenya after bringing Nodor’s production operation to the country.
In a written statement, his brother, Leighton Stephens, said he believed his sibling had been riding alone on September 16, 2018, when he passed a parked bus in a lay-by.
Mr Stephens said: “My brother was passing a parked bus in a lay-by.
“When he was approximately halfway past, the bus pulled out into the path of the motorbike forcing him into oncoming traffic, causing my brother’s death.”
He also described the entrepreneur as “well-respected” within the company and within the family and “cautious and careful in all walks of life”.
In an autopsy report Dr Johansen Odour said Mr Stephens suffered “extensive bruising” to his skull and bruising to his cheek, chest, and hand.
A cause of death was given as head and chest injuries due to blunt trauma consistent with road traffic accident.
Dr Odour said: “The deceased was involved in a motorbike accident and passed on while undergoing treatment in Karen Hospital.”
Summarising emails received from Mr Stephen’s wife Fauzia and Mr Stephen’s brother, coroner’s officer Lauren Hewitt said the driver of the bus had not been identified.
Graeme Hughes, area coroner for South Wales Central, recorded a conclusion of death due to road traffic collision.