A Gerrards Cross man who was pronounced dead of the scene of a car crash died as a result of multiple injuries suffered in the accident, an inquest heard today.

Sixty-four-year-old Michael Kennedy died after crashing his Volkswagen Golf into a tree on Hedgerley Lane on December 12 last year.

Forensic Collision Investigator Tony Reading from Thames Valley Police told the inquest at Beaconsfield Coroner’s Court on Wednesday that there were no factors which could have increased the likelihood of Mr Kennedy dying in the accident, other than the fact he was not wearing a seatbelt.

Mr Kennedy had visited the White Horse pub in Gerrards Cross at around 5.30pm. Helen Rodgers, who works at the pub, told the inquest that nothing appeared out of the ordinary.

She said: “I have known Mike for many years. He came in and ordered his usual two pints of Rebellion. He came in with a book and sat with two other customers, I think they were chatting about Brexit.

“At 6.30pm, he paid his tab and left. He appeared to be his usual self. I only found out when I was informed the next morning, I was shocked by the news.”

It is thought that Mr Kennedy then got into his car and left the pub, before crashing on Hedgerley Lane shortly after.

Mr Reading confirmed that Mr Kennedy was not over the legal limit when he crashed his car.

When asked by Coroner Crispin Butler whether the road conditions could have been contributing factors to the crash, Mr Reading said: “in all honesty, no sir. The white lines in the middle of the road were worn but visible, the road edges were perfectly visible. The road was not a contributing factor.

“There were no visible tire marks which may have indicated a loss of control. The vehicle was not steering or braking harshly, it drifted off the road rather than a sudden manoeuvre.”

Mr Reading also went on to confirm that Mr Kennedy did not meet any of the criteria for falling asleep at the wheel, adding: “I am really at a loss to explain why [the car crashed].”

The investigator went on to say that the car’s damage was consistent with a crash at around 30mph. He confirmed that a lack of seatbelt contributed to Mr Kennedy’s death, saying: “I would not have imagined that a fit and health person would have suffered fatal injuries in the crash if he had been wearing a seatbelt.”

Crispin Butler ruled the medical cause of death as multiple injuries suffered in the crash.