A dad who was fatally struck by a car on a dark winter night was not initially seen by the driver, an inquest has heard.

Neil Mercer, a 51-year-old volunteer from Chelmsford was walking in the carriageway of Roxwell Road in Writtle on the evening of Tuesday, February 12.

He was hit by a Volkswagen Passat, but the driver said he was not sure what he had hit until he turned the car around to look.

Mr Mercer was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge where he died two days later on Valentines day.

An inquest into his death revealed that the judo-loving father died of a 'traumatic head injury' after the crash.

PC Mark Hemingway attended the scene told senior coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray that it was a dark night and the road had no street lighting.

He said: “The driver of a Volkswagen Passat told police that he was aware that he had collided with something, but he wasn't sure what it was.

"He continued up the road to the roundabout to turn around and come back to see what he had struck."


He also explained that Mr Mercer was wearing dark clothing.

Toxicology reports showed that Mr Mercer had taken cocaine not long before the crash, with PC Hemingway explaining this could mean he was confused and didn't realise what was happening when he may have seen the car.

He continued: "It's apparent that he was walking on the carriageway when he was hit.

“The damage to the car is consistent with Mr Mercer's injuries.

"The car was in fine working order, the head lamps were working and tests on the car's breaks show that they were also in working order.

"That location is not one where a driver would expect to see a pedestrian."

Coroner Beasley-Murray at Essex Coroner's Court yesterday (August 28) said: "Neil Mercer died as a result of a road traffic collision.

"What a tragic event it was."


A tribute released by Mr Mercer’s family said: "Neil was a dearly loved father, son, brother, uncle and friend to everyone who knew him.

"He worked as a volunteer and he enjoyed reading, boxing, judo, football and he loved watching films.

"All the family members and friends will greatly miss Neil very much."