Driver who hit and killed cyclist said victim "seemed the same colour as the shadows"

The driver involved in a fatal collision with a cyclist near Grantham in Lincolnshire told police that the victim “seemed the same colour as the shadows.” 49-year-old Robert Dearing died in hospital after being hit by a Kia Rio being driven by Patricia Crozier on July 3, 2015.

The Lincolnshire Echo reports that the collision took place on Sand Lane near a railway bridge with both parties travelling east in the direction of Branston.

In an interview with police read out at the inquest at Lincoln Cathedral Centre, Crozier said: "I don't know where he came from. I saw the cyclist when he was at the side of me – I saw him go up a bit and then fall. He seemed to be the same colour as the shadows."

The inquest heard that Crozier’s car hit the back of Dearing’s bike, throwing him off. A post mortem report found that he died as a result of a traumatic head injury.

Valerie Ryall was driving along the road at the time of the crash. She said: "The woman walked towards me and I asked if she was ok? She replied, 'I knocked him off his bike.’"

Eyewitnesses said Mr Dearing was wearing a long dark jacket at the time of the collision. One motorist referred to the road as "dangerous".

Coroner Paul Smith concluded that Dearing died as a result of a road traffic collision. He cited the darkness of the road, caused by overhanging trees, and Dearing's clothing as being possible factors contributing to the collision.