Teen died from fractures and brain injury after B1281 crash

Lucas David Littlefair, from Hesleden, died after the Volkswagen Passat he was driving collided with a Citroen C3 on the B1281 Hesleden Road near Blackhall Colliery on August 2. 

The 19-year-old, who has been described as a “treasured” son, brother, grandson, and boyfriend, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

An inquest opened into his death at Crook Coroners’ Court today (September 8) heard how the crash took place near to the entrance to Hardwick Hall.

A post mortem carried out at the Newcastle Freeman Hospital by Dr Tuomo Polvikowski gave the former tree surgeon’s cause of death as multiple skull and vertebral fractures with a catastrophic brain injury and a traffic accident.

Following his death, Lucas’ family released an emotional tribute to him, saying: “Lucas, you have been cruelly snatched from us much too soon, a great hole has been left in your place and life can never be the same again without you.

“Rest in peace, Lucas – the only thing that can keep us going is knowing we will meet again. Lucas was loved more than he can ever know. 

“We will never forget him or ever stop loving him, and will miss him dearly.

“Lucas had a passion for motorbikes and when he wasn’t at work he was always spending time with friends, family and his girlfriend. 

“He brought so much happiness to all our lives and we have so many memories as a family that we will never forget.”

The serious two-car crash took place when the two vehicles collided and left one of the vehicles overturned. 

Three passengers who were in the VW, two boys aged 17 and a 17-year-old girl, were taken to hospital as a precaution before being discharged. 

The driver of the Citroen, a 22-year-old woman, was also taken to hospital and discharged.

Senior Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield adjourned the inquest for a mention hearing on November 17 at the coroners’ court, sitting at The Miners Hall in Durham.