A WESTON teenager described as a “lovable rogue” was killed when he mysteriously lost control of his bike and ploughed into an oncoming car, an inquest heard.
Stefan Clarke-Critchlow, 18, was pro- nounced dead at the scene following the smash on the A518 near the County Showground in August last year.
But the reasons why he lost control of his bike will remain a mystery as police have been unable to find any firm evi- dence.
His family said Mr Clarke-Critchlow only used his Yamaha 125 motorcycle to travel to Stafford College and back and the bike did not go very fast.
At an inquest in Cannock last week Staffordshire South coroner Andrew Haigh recorded a verdict of accidental death.
PC Simon Marshall, from the collision investigation unit at Stafford Police Sta- tion, told the hearing Mr Clarke- Critchlow was travelling towards Stafford when he failed to negotiate a left-hand bend.
He collided with a Vauxhall Antera, travelling in the opposite direction.
His helmet came off and was found on the road next to him.
PC Marshall said: “The reason for the initial loss of control is not clear. There is no suggestion of excessive speed and there were no defects on the bike.”
He said the Vauxhall was travelling within the speed limit and the driver reacted at an early stage, but there was nothing he could do to avoid the bike.
The family asked if it was possible hay- sufferer Mr Clarke-Critchlow may have sneezed, causing the loss of control, but although experts said it was possible there was still no evidence to confirm it.
Speaking afterwards, his mum Mari- anne Evans told the Newsletter: “Stefan was a lovable rogue and is much missed, especially by his little sisters who adored him and his grandparents who cher- ished him.
“He was just a normal teenage boy, a nice lad who loved loud music. He is a former pupil of Weston Road High School and was doing carpentry and joinery at Stafford College. He also used to work part-time at The Woolpack in Weston.”
His grandfather Colin Critchlow added: “He had always loved bikes but was a safe rider. He used the bike to get to and from college and back.
“We will never really know why he lost control of his bike. No-one did anything wrong.
“ It was a terrible accident.”
