Emma Hill

I am John Adrian Gittins, Senior Coroner for North Wales (East and Central)

On the 7 th of April 2025 I commenced an investigation into the death of Emma Jane Hill (DOB 26.9.81 DOD 6.4.25). The investigation is ongoing at the present time but following a post mortem a provisional cause of death has been established as being 1(a) Blunt force head  injuries.

The circumstances of the death are as follows : On the 6th of April 2024 the deceased was a pillion passenger on a motorcycle which was  travelling in the direction of Nantwich along the A534. As the motorcycle approached the junction for Holt village, it collided with a motor vehicle which appears to have been exiting the junction.   As a result of this collision the deceased sustained injuries which were incompatible with life and  she was verified dead at the scene.

In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows. – Following discussions with the Roads Traffic Policing Unit of North Wales Police, I am concerned that although at this location the A534 is a comparatively straight stretch road, the visibility from  the junction when turning right out of the village in the direction of Wrexham may on occasions be obstructed by signage and/or by vehicles which are slowing to turn into the village. Furthermore as this straight stretch of road is subject to a national speed limit following a 40 mph zone, traffic may be accelerating or travelling at speed, thus creating risk both for persons exiting the junction and traffic which is continuing along the main road. It is also my understanding that there have been previous collisions in this vicinity in the past. Unless action is taken to improve visibility, reduce the speed of traffic or to alter the road layout, then there is an ongoing risk that further collisions will occur and that lives may be lost as a  result.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action.