Paul Green

I am Gareth JONES, Assistant Coroner for the coroner area of West Sussex, Brighton and Hove

On 29 November 2024 I commenced an investigation into the death of Paul Walker GREEN aged 16. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 12 March 2026. The conclusion of the inquest was that: Paul Walker Green was a rear side passenger in a car.  The driver of the car failed to appropriately negotiate a right hand bend, by understeering, leading to the car colliding with a tree and rolling onto its’ roof.  The collision with the tree caused Paul Green to suffer fatal head injuries. The driver had recently passed her test and her inexperience likely contributed to the actions she took.  Paul green was not wearing a seatbelt which may also have contributed to his death.  Paul Walker Green died on the 27th of November 2024 at Emsworth Common in Emsworth of head injuries caused in the collision.

Paul Walker Green was a rear side passenger in a car.  The driver of the car failed to appropriately negotiate a right hand bend, by understeering, leading to the car colliding with a tree and rolling onto its’ roof.  The collision with the tree caused Paul Green to suffer fatal head injuries. The driver had recently passed her test and her inexperience likely contributed to the actions she took.  Paul green was not wearing a seatbelt which may also have contributed to his death.  Paul Walker Green died on the 27th of November 2024 at Emsworth Common in Emsworth of head injuries caused in the collision.

During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.  In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows: (brief summary of matters of concern) The driver of the vehicle which crashed was 17 years of age. The three passengers in the car including Paul Green who died were also under 18. There were no adults in the car.  I heard evidence from Forensic Collision Investigator [REDACTED] that the collision was likely a result of understeering while negotiating a bend which was a result of the driver’s inexperience.  She had only passed her test a few weeks prior to the collision.  I also heard evidence that the presence of other teenagers in the car (none of whom it appeared had driving experience) is a factor in a number of collisions.  I am concerned that when 17 year olds pass a driving test, they can drive on any road in the UK including motorways without any adult supervision.  I believe this current state of affairs is likely to lead to further fatal collisions if it remains unaddressed.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you (and/or your organisation) have the power to take such action.