A “hugely popular” charity worker died after losing control of his scooter and falling into oncoming traffic, an inquest has heard.

Broughton Gifford resident Stuart Flint was involved in a fatal collision while travelling over Challymead Bridge on the A350, towards Farmers Roundabout in Melksham, at around 4.30pm on March 9, 2022.

As traffic slowed on the approach to the roundabout, the 44-year-old’s 125CC Peugeot scooter collided with the back of a white Fiat van directly in front of him.

The impact caused Stuart to lose control of his vehicle, which skidded into the path of an oncoming silver Nissan Juke that struck him in the head.

Members of the public, including an off-duty paramedic, attempted to help and an ambulance crew arrived at 4.36pm.

Despite the efforts of a critical care car and specialist paramedic, Stuart was declared dead at the scene at 5.12pm.

A pathologist later found evidence he had suffered a pulmonary embolism, likely from a deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, and that this may have caused him to lose control of the scooter.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

Forensic Collision Investigator, PC Michelle Jones, told the court the fatal crash was caused by Stuart’s loss of control, which was either due to a medical episode or a failure to react to the situation.

She added there was insufficient time for the driver of the Nissan to avoid him.

No mechanical defects that may have caused the incident were found during inspections of the three vehicles involved.

Toxicology reports showed no trace of drugs or alcohol in Stuart’s blood or urine.

He suffered from Myotonic Dystrophy but was cleared as a “competent” rider.

Area Coroner Ian Singleton recorded a conclusion of road traffic collision.

He concluded that, for reasons which remain unclear, Stuart struck the back of the van and lost control of his vehicle.

Mr Singleton was unable to determine the cause of this with certainty on the evidence available.

Stuart was born in Bath and worked for various charities, including the British Heart Foundation in Trowbridge.

He was described as a “hugely popular member” of the Broughton Gifford community and was a well-known figure on the local bowls team.

At the time of his death, sister-in-law Kerry Flint said: “Stuart was always such a warm and happy character.

“He always had time for other people and was a doting uncle to his nephew and niece as well as being a great brother to my husband, Alan.

“He was the kindest, most gentle person I have ever known.”