News

Flying pheasant kills motorcyclist

An inquest has heard how motorcyclist Matthew Johnson, 32, was killed in a freak accident after he was knocked off his bike by a flying pheasant.

Would you like to speak to our readers? We offer sponsored articles and advertising to put you in front of our audience. Find out more.

The bird flew out from a hedge on the B5066 in Staffordshire, and hit the side of Mr Johnson?s helmet ? the impact of the collision was such that the visor was found embedded in the dead bird further along the road.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Andrew Haigh said: ?This [was] an unfortunate combination of events; a tragic accident.?