Coroner makes ruling on death of paraplegic campaigner after microlight crash

Coroner makes ruling on death of paraplegic campaigner after microlight crash Claire Lomas was fatally injured while filming a series for Apple in Jordan - Bookmark A coroner has concluded that the death of a paraplegic charity fundraiser, who crashed a microlight while filming a series for Apple, was accidental. Claire Lomas, 44, was paralysed from the chest down in a 2007 horse riding accident. She later became a prolific fundraiser for the Spinal Research charity, as well as a motivational speaker, and in 2012 she became the first person to complete the London Marathon in a “bionic” suit. Ms Lomas, from Eye Kettleby near Melton Mowbray, was flying a specially adapted microlight aircraft in Jordan on 15 July 2024 when she “veered off the runway” and hit a large rock. She had been filming flight footage for a series that Apple had commissioned for its Vision Pro headset. Ms Lomas died of her injuries at King Hussein Medical Centre in Jordan’s capital, Amman, on 22 August 2024 – more than five weeks after the crash. An inquest into her death was held this week at County Hall in the Leicestershire village of Glenfield. On Thursday, senior coroner for Rutland and North Leicestershire Louise Pinder officially recorded Ms Lomas’s death to be accidental. The coroner said: “During the final approach to the roadway, where [Ms Lomas] was to land, it became apparent to her and to those on the ground that the aircraft was not perfectly aligned. “Claire made a split-second decision to abort the landing and go around but the aircraft touched down firmly, veered to the left, the left wheel leaving the road on to gravel causing her to further lose control. “The aircraft collided with rocks approximately 10 metres from the metalled road surface, as a result of which she sustained multiple traumatic injuries.” Ms Pinder added: “I have heard no evidence establishing a causal link between any deficiencies in the risk assessment and Claire’s death. “I am reassured, as I hope the family will be, that there have been thorough investigations as far as possible into the circumstances of Claire’s death and some lessons have been learnt.” The Royal Aero Sports Club of Jordan concluded there was no violation of ground or air safety procedures, the inquest heard. The coroner found there was no evidence the 180-degree camera mounted to the aircraft adversely affected the flight. She added that Ms Lomas’s family had concerns about the care she received in the hospital in Jordan, but there was “insufficient evidence” to conclude whether there were any missed opportunities in her care. Ms Lomas got a licence to fly a microlight, which is a small aircraft, a few years before the crash. Ben Ashman, a microlight designer and manufacturer at Flylight Airsports, told the inquest that Ms Lomas bought her own aircraft in 2022 or 2023, which the company adapted so that there were no controls at her feet. He said he was concerned that Ms Lomas was stressed before the flight because she posted on Facebook about putting her “brave pants” on, which was “unusual” for her. Mr Ashman, who was also in Jordan at the time, said he spoke to her, adding: “She said ‘let’s do it’. I didn’t want to turn around and say ‘you shouldn’t do it’. I didn’t want to take away her confidence.” In a statement after the conclusion, Katherine Allen, a partner at Hugh James representing Ms Lomas’s family, said: “The conclusion of the inquest today marks the end of a very difficult, emotional process for Dan (Ms Lomas’s husband) and the wider family following Claire’s untimely death. “While the inquest has concluded, the family continue to live with the devastating consequences of their loss. “Claire was deeply loved and her death has left a profound and enduring void in their lives. They will never be the same again following what happened to her.” Ms Allen said that her relatives, who did not attend the inquest, are focused on remembering Ms Lomas. [Image text:] 70070 claire 'alleng .CO. 2016 PUMA~ South Tyneside Council BBCSPORT great Wru THE WORLD'S FAVOURITE R