An 11-year-old boy died in an 'unavoidable' road traffic collision after he cycled across a road to reach his mother, a coroner has concluded. Seth Fulton was on the pavement along Nottingham Road in Chaddesden, Derby, on April 17 when he saw his mother on the opposite side.
According to DerbyLive, Seth decided to cross the road on his bicycle. He was struck by a bus, which threw him into the path of a VW Polo. The child sustained significant injuries and died the same day at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham.
Coroner's findings
Susan Evans, coroner for Derby and Derbyshire, completed an inquest in writing on Wednesday and concluded that it was 'not safe' for Seth to cross the road at that time. She stated that neither the driver of the VW Polo nor the bus driver had 'sufficient opportunity' to avoid the crash. The cause of death was recorded as a traumatic head injury.
The coroner wrote on the record of inquest: 'On the 17th of April 2026, Seth Fulton was cycling along the pavement of Nottingham Road in Chaddesden when he saw his mum on the opposite pavement. He attempted to cross the road when it was not safe to do so. He cycled in front of a VW Polo car on the nearside lane and as he got to the far side carriageway, he was hit by a bus coming from his left. This impact caused him to be thrown into the path of the VW Polo. He suffered significant injuries and was conveyed to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham where he died later that day. Neither driver had sufficient opportunity to avoid a collision.'
Family tribute
In a statement released by Derbyshire Police after Seth’s death, his parents described him as having 'a lust for life, loved wildlife and was adventurous'. They added: 'Everyone who came into contact with Seth will never forget him. He loved his friends as much as they all loved him.'
The tragedy has prompted renewed calls for road safety measures in the area, though no further details have been announced by the local council.
