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Wales Online
12-08-2025
- Wales Online
Pensioner's devastated family say horror Anglesey crash 'will always weigh heavily on us'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The devastated family of a "much-loved" grandad who died in a crash that tragically killed him and another couple in Beaumaris, Anglesey, have paid tribute to him. Humphrey Pickering, 81, was driving a grey coloured Audi A8, which collided with Reverend Stephen and Katherine Burch as they walked along Alma Street, Beaumaris, on Wednesday, August 28 2024. All three died in the collision. On Monday, the family of Stephen and Katherine Burch called for 'stronger checks' on elderly motorists. Mr Pickering lived in Colwyn Bay and his family described him as a 'much-loved husband, father, grand and great-grandfather, brother and uncle' and said he will be 'terribly missed by us all". They also extended their sympathies to the Burch family, saying the crash will "always weigh heavily on us". The family said: 'Humphrey Pickering was a lifelong learner who loved travel, learning new languages and experiencing new cultures. "His career centred around libraries, learning, and bringing knowledge to communities throughout Europe and as far away as the South Pacific. He was a valued colleague, boss, friend, and mentor to many. (Image: North Wales Police handout) 'In retirement he continued to serve his community through volunteering and was a member of rotary and town-twinning. He was also a keen gardener, tending his trees, flowers, and vegetables throughout the year. 'Our family want to thank the emergency services and members of the public who assisted at the scene, and to those who provided care and support to our mother, especially the staff at the Bulkley Hotel, who kept her safe until we were able to come to Beaumaris to be by her side. 'We also want to thank those who have worked tirelessly since, to uncover the events of that day and provide an explanation of what happened on that fateful day. "These answers will help us move forward in our grief and are a small step towards our family accepting this tragic accident and the devastating loss to both our family and the family of Revd Stephen and Katherine Burch. (Image: David Powell/North Wales Live) 'We extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to the Burch family, we are devastated for their loss, a loss that will always weigh heavily on us. We hope the outcome of the inquest will also help them in some small way.' The inquest into the deaths of Mr Pickering, and Mr and Mrs Burch took place in Caernarfon on Thursday, August 7. North West Wales senior coroner Kate Robertson concluded Mr Pickering had pressed his car's accelerator by mistake, before colliding with the couple. A police collision investigator found his vehicle had gone from 25mph to 55mph after Mr Pickering pressed the accelerator three times in the five seconds before the tragic collision. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here's how to sign up Find out what's happening near you
BBC News
12-08-2025
- BBC News
Older driver check calls from family of couple killed in Beaumaris crash
The family of a couple killed after an elderly driver lost control of his vehicle while speeding have called for "stronger checks and safeguards" on older and Katherine Burch, both 65, died in Beaumaris, Anglesey, in August 2024, when a car driven by Humphrey John Pickering, 81, crashed into Pickering, who also died in the crash, "applied the accelerator rather than the brake", causing his speed to increase from 25mph to 55mph in the seconds before the crash. The calls come as the UK government considers banning motorists over 70 from driving if they fail compulsory eye tests. The family of Mr and Mrs Burch described their grief as "monumental", and said the circumstances around their death were "tragic and deeply painful"."They were struck and killed in a collision involving a high-powered automatic vehicle, driven at speed through a 20mph street," they said."It raises painful but important questions about the safety of both powerful and automatic vehicles in the hands of elderly drivers, and the urgent need for stronger checks and safeguards to prevent such tragedies in future."Mr Pickering's family thanked those who had worked to "provide an explanation of what happened on that fateful day"."These answers will help us move forward in our grief and are a small step towards our family accepting this tragic accident," they said."We extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to the Burch family, we are devastated for their loss, a loss that will always weigh heavily on us."They described Mr Pickering, from Colwyn Bay, Conwy county, as a "much-loved husband, father, grand and great-grandfather, brother and uncle" and said he will be "terribly missed by us all".A UK government source told the BBC it was planning a road safety strategy that would impose "tougher penalties on those breaking the law, protecting road users and restoring order to our roads". A requirement being prepared by UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander could make eye tests for over-70s compulsory when they renew their driving licence every three April, HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire Dr James Adeley sent a report to Alexander to say action should be taken to prevent future deaths, after he found enforcement of visual legal standards for drivers was UK is one of only three European countries to rely on self-reporting of visual conditions affecting the ability to under consideration by the UK government are potential medical tests for conditions such as dementia, and stricter rules for Chadwick, Liberal Democrat MP for the rural constituency of Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, said he agreed all drivers should be "able to use our roads safely", but said many of his constituents used cars because "of the withdrawal of bus routes"."They simply do not have another option," he said, calling for improved investment in public added another measure to help improve road safety would be increasing the number of speed cameras.
North Wales Chronicle
11-08-2025
- North Wales Chronicle
Tributes paid to third victim of Beaumaris collision
Humphrey Pickering was 81 years old and lived in Colwyn Bay. His family described him as a 'much-loved husband, father, grand and great-grandfather, brother and uncle' and said he will be 'terribly missed by us all.' They also extended their sympathies to the family of The Revered Stephen and Katherine Burch, who were killed after being struck by Mr Pickering's car in the incident on 28 August 2024. The Revered Stephen and Katherine Burch (Image: North Wales Police) The family said: 'Humphrey Pickering was a lifelong learner who loved travel, learning new languages and experiencing new cultures. 'His career centred around libraries, learning, and bringing knowledge to communities throughout Europe and as far away as the South Pacific. He was a valued colleague, boss, friend, and mentor to many. 'In retirement he continued to serve his community through volunteering and was a member of rotary and town-twinning. He was also a keen gardener, tending his trees, flowers, and vegetables throughout the year. 'Our family want to thank the emergency services and members of the public who assisted at the scene, and to those who provided care and support to our mother, especially the staff at the Bulkley Hotel, who kept her safe until we were able to come to Beaumaris to be by her side." (Image: North Wales Police) They added: 'We also want to thank those who have worked tirelessly since, to uncover the events of that day and provide an explanation of what happened on that fateful day. These answers will help us move forward in our grief and are a small step towards our family accepting this tragic accident and the devastating loss to both our family and the family of Revd Stephen and Katherine Burch. 'We extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to the Burch family, we are devastated for their loss, a loss that will always weigh heavily on us. 'We hope the outcome of the inquest will also help them in some small way.' The inquest into the deaths of Mr Pickering, and Mr and Mrs Burch took place in Caernarfon on Thursday, August 7. The road traffic collision occurred on Wednesday, August 28 2024. It involved Mr Pickering's grey coloured Audi A8, which collided with Mr and Mrs Burch as they walked along Alma Street, Beaumaris. North West Wales senior coroner Kate Robertson concluded Mr Pickering had pressed his car's accelerator by mistake, before colliding with the couple.
The Sun
07-08-2025
- The Sun
OAP driver, 81, kills walking couple and himself after accidentally pressing accelerator instead of brake
An 81-year-old driver killed a walking couple and himself after accidentally pressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake. Reverend Stephen Burch and his wife Katherine, both 65 and from Alcester, Warwickshire, died in a collision in Anglesey, on August 28 last year. 7 7 The couple were mowed down on the street after motorist Humphrey Pickering lost control on a sharp bend. He accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake in his Audi A8 automatic, an inquest heard. Mr and Mrs Burch were both pronounced dead at the scene. Ex-librarian Mr Pickering, from Colwyn Bay, also died at the roadside after his car smashed into the front of a house on Alma Street. He was not wearing his seat-belt and sustained fatal chest injuries. Caernarfon Coroner's Court heard the 81-year-old driver had been trying to navigate exiting a tight parking space. He was maneuvering the vehicle to allow for his wife Margaret to get into the passenger seat. However, a witness told the inquest he "lurched forward" and "appeared to panic" before the car "shot off down the road". CCTV footage revealed the Audi accelerate "abruptly" into four pedestrians, two of which were left minor injuries. Meilir Hywel, a forensic collision investigator for North Wales Police, told the hearing Mr Pickering's car had continued to accelerate on Alma Street. He nearly crashed into two cars before losing control on a 90 degrees right bend. Data recovered from the Audi revealed the accelerator was being pressed, while the brake was never activated. Mr Pickering was barrelling through the 20mph zone at 55mph before the fatal smash. It was previously reported that one witness said she had been in a hotel overlooking the scene when she heard a "loud bang". 7 7 7 She then watched "people trying very, very hard to do CPR". She said: "Everybody really rallied around, diverting the traffic and trying their best to give the people dignity, but it was pretty horrific." "The town is absolutely full of tourists and people walk down that street. It's just a beautiful, beautiful place." Another resident said on social media: "It happened right in front of us on the road beside the pier. "It's an utter tragedy for those directly affected by the crash. No warning, it happened completely out of the blue." Mr Hywel concluded the sudden acceleration was because of "pedal misapplication in applying the accelerator instead of the brake pedal in error". He said: "He was then unable to correct his error while driving a powerful vehicle." Mr and Mrs Burch's daughter Sarah Packwood told the inquest her mum "always put others first" and was "passionate about serving her community". She remembered her dad as someone who "actively shared his faith throughout his life" and was an "avid sports fan". But Ms Packwood did raise concerns over whether Mr Pickering had been fit to drive at the time. Mr Pickering's daughter, Helen Baxter, said he was an "active member of the community" who was "out in the garden every day in all weathers" and had "good" mental agility. She said he "loved to travel" and had four upcoming holidays booked. Senior coroner for north-west Wales, Kate Robertson, said she was satisfied the "most likely explanation" for the collision was the "pedal missapplication which has led to a sudden and unintended acceleration". She told both families: "There are no words that I can say that will ease the pain and suffering you will no doubt be feeling, have felt and will continue to feel, but you have all acted with huge dignity. "I am incredibly sorry for your loss in these tragic circumstances." Heartfelt tributes poured in for Mr and Mrs Burch after news of the tragedy broke. A spokesman for the Diocese of Coventry said: "It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Steve and Kathy Burch have been tragically killed while walking along Beaumaris Pier on the Isle of Anglesey. "Steve was a popular member of our diocese and well known for his good humour and unwavering faith and many will also know Kathy well from her work with CPAS and worship ministry. As a couple they were still very active in retirement, running an alpha course leading to baptism and confirmations. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve and Kathy's family at this time especially their children, David, Jonathan and Sarah as they come to terms with this devastating, unexpected loss." A tribute from the Great Alne Cricket Club read: "Steve has been a GACC member for well over 20 years, holding various positions including Sunday captain, secretary, and most recently, chairman. A cherished member of the club, Steve racked up 1190 runs since records began. "Best known for his unperishable forward defensive, he also took 15 wickets during his bowling days. His efforts in the field were unquestionable, and commitment to ensuring that the club succeeded in whatever format shall remain legendary. "Both Steve and Kathy were vital members off the field, too. Steve would regularly score for the Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday teams; a role which is invaluable but often forgotten. Kathy was well known in Great Alne for her tremendous cricket teas, enjoyed by all who were able to tuck in."
The Independent
07-08-2025
- The Independent
Motorist, 81, pressed accelerator in error and fatally hit retired couple, inquest told
An 81-year-old motorist pressed his accelerator pedal 'in error' and hit a retired couple at high speed, an inquest has heard. Stephen Burch and Katherine Burch, both 65, had no time to react as Humphrey Pickering failed to negotiate a sharp bend and lost control of his powerful Audi A8 automatic car. The former vicar and charity worker, from Alcester, Warwickshire, suffered multiple injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene of the collision in the popular North Wales seaside town Beaumaris. Ex-librarian Mr Pickering, from Colwyn Bay, also died at the scene in Alma Street, as his car went on to collide with the front of a house on the afternoon of August 28 last year. He was not wearing his seat-belt and sustained fatal chest injuries. Caernarfon Coroner's Court heard that Mr Pickering had earlier tried to pull slowly out of a tight parking space off the seafront near to the Bulkeley Hotel, to allow enough room for his wife, Margaret, to get into the vehicle's passenger side. An eyewitness told the court the grey Audi suddenly 'lurched forward' and the driver 'appeared to panic' before the car 'shot off down the road'. CCTV footage showed the Audi initially accelerate 'abruptly' into a group of four pedestrians, knocking down two people who escaped with minor injuries. Meilir Hywel, forensic collision investigator for North Wales Police, said Mr Pickering's car continued to accelerate on Alma Street and narrowly missed colliding with two vehicles. Mr Pickering then lost control of the Audi on a 90 degrees right bend. Pre-crash data recovered from the vehicle showed the accelerator pedal was repeatedly pressed and the brake pedal was not activated. The Audi reached a speed of 55mph, in a 20mph zone, in the seconds before the collision, the court heard. Mr Hywel concluded the sudden acceleration was because of 'pedal misapplication in applying the accelerator instead of the brake pedal in error'. He said: 'He was then unable to correct his error while driving a powerful vehicle.' One of Mr and Mrs Burch's three children, Sarah Packwood, told the inquest her parents were both of 'deep Christian faith'. Her mother was a talented musician and baker who 'always put others first' and was 'passionate about serving her community', while her father 'actively shared his faith throughout his life' and was an 'avid sports fan'. She said her family has raised concerns about the age of Mr Pickering and his ability to drive a brand new powerful vehicle. Mr Pickering's daughter, Helen Baxter, said the father-of-two was an 'active member of the community' who was 'out in the garden every day in all weathers' and had 'good' mental agility. She said Mr Pickering was a librarian in Oldham before he set up his own business in automated library services, which led to him working around the world. She said he had five holidays booked for 2024 'which was normal for him as he loved to travel'. Senior coroner for north-west Wales, Kate Robertson, said she was satisfied the 'most likely explanation' for the collision was the 'pedal missapplication which has led to a sudden and unintended acceleration'. She told both families: 'There are no words that I can say that will ease the pain and suffering you will no doubt be feeling, have felt and will continue to feel, but you have all acted with huge dignity. 'I am incredibly sorry for your loss in these tragic circumstances.'
