A retired vicar and his wife were killed in a horrific car accident involving a former businessman who also died in the collision, an inquest has heard.
The Reverend Stephen Burch and his wife, charity worker Katherine were out walking when they were struck by Humphrey Pickering, 81, near a historic pier.
The couple were enjoying a day out at the seaside town of Beaumaris, Anglesey when they were struck by Mr Pickering, who himself had driven 30 miles from home at the time of the tragedy.
Bystanders and emergency services battled to save the lives of the married couple, but they were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash in In Beaumaris, Anglesey.
Mr Pickering was also pronounced dead at the scene from injuries to his chest, the inquest heard.
The 81-year-old was a former director of a library computer company before he retired nearly 20 years ago and settled on the Welsh coast.
During an inquest into the tragedy, which opened today, coroner Kate Robertson said: ‘A motor vehicle driven along Alma Street in Beaumaris by Humphrey Pickering has collided with two pedestrians, Katherine Burch and Stephen Burch, and then with a property. All passed away at the scene.’
‘The investigations remain ongoing into the collision which sadly took the lives of these people.
‘This inquest will therefore be adjourned to allow those ongoing investigations to continue.’
She also praised those who tried to help, saying: ‘I would like to take this opportunity to pass my most sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who died and also acknowledge the significant efforts made by members of the public and emergency services at the scene at the time.’
Mr and Mrs Burch lived in Alcester in Warwickshire, and following news of the deaths the Diocese of Coventry posted a tribute to the couple, who had both dedicated their lives to helping the local community.
‘This comes as a shock for the diocese as many will know Steve, who only retired at the end of last year after serving with us in many roles for over 35 years, most recently as vicar of St James, Fletchamstead, for 19 years.
‘Steve was a popular member of our diocese and well known for his good humour and unwavering faith, and many will also know Kathy well from her work with CPAS (Church Pastoral Aid Society) and worship ministry.
‘As a couple they were still very active in retirement this year, running an alpha course leading to baptism and confirmations. Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve and Kathy’s family at this time, especially their children, David, Jonathan and Sarah, as they come to terms with this devastating, unexpected loss.’
An onlooker who witnessed the incident from a hotel vantage point said they heard a series of ‘loud bangs’ and saw bystanders attempt to provide CPR.
‘The town is absolutely full of tourists and people walk down that street,’ she said of the area. ‘It’s just a beautiful, beautiful place.’
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