Tragic pensioner Joan Gray was killed by car travelling at 10mph

Published: 03 June 2010
by JOSIE HINTON

A PENSIONER died after being hit by a car travelling at just 10mph along Finchley Road, an inquest heard.

Joan Gray, an 82-year-old widow, was hit by the vehicle heading south as she crossed the busy road towards her Studhome Court home at around 5pm on December 16.

At an inquest into Ms Gray’s death at St Pancras Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, motorist Eman Motteleb spoke of the alarming moment the 82-year-old stepped out in front of her car, as she turned into Finchley Road.

“She just seemed to appear from nowhere,” Ms Motteleb told the court. “I was travelling extremely slowly and carefully as it was snowy. 

“When I saw her she was wearing a black coat and held a black umbrella. She moved the umbrella and I slammed on the breaks.”

Ambulance crews took Ms Gray to the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead but she died from head injuries on January 1.

Detective Sergeant David Hindmarsh, of the traffic collision investigation unit, told the court a witness saw Ms Gray step out in front of the car, 85 metres away from the nearest crossing. 

He confirmed the car was travelling at around 10mph and said it would have been impossible for the driver to stop in time. 

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Coroner Dr Andrew Reid said: “Sadly, if she had crossed at the crossing 85 metres south, the accident wouldn’t have happened.”