Cyclist tragedy: Inquest opens

10:39am Tuesday 13th May 2008

MORE details about the tragic death of a 17-year-old cyclist on a York cycle track have emerged with the opening of an inquest.

York Coroner Donald Coverdale said that student Ruby Garland Milnes died while returning from York College to her home in Cromwell Road, Bishophill, last Thursday afternoon.

She was going along the cycle path at Bustardthorpe, near a tarmac road leading to the rear of York Racecourse, when the accident happened.

He said at yesterday's inquest opening that there was a large hedge at the side of the cycle track near where it enters the road. An HGV lorry using the road collided with her, causing serious injuries, and her death was confirmed at the scene by a paramedic.

A post-mortem examination, carried out by a pathologist at York Hospital, had revealed she died from multiple injuries, and her body had been formally identified by PC Karl May, who knew her professionally.

The coroner adjourned the inquest to a later date, saying North Yorkshire Police would be continuing to conduct inquiries into the circumstances surrounding her death.

The Press has reported previously how the lorry was a Shepherd vehicle, delivering Portaloos to the Racecourse.

Police today issued a renewed appeal for information in their investigation into the tragedy.

A spokeswoman said they wanted to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of the racecourse at the time of the accident, which happened at about 4.30pm.

Anyone able to help should phone TC Lee Cobb on 0845 60 60 247.

An obituary placed in The Press today has revealed Ruby is the beloved daughter of Allison and David Milnes, and the sister of Pearl, Max, Bonny and Olmo.

Her funeral will take place at St Wilfrid's Roman Catholic Church on Friday May 16, followed by interment at York Cemetery.

Her family are asking for no flowers, but want mourners instead to make donations to Survival for the Rights of Threatened Tribal People.

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