Wiltshire man killed in A419 crash after leaving GWH

Philip Regan, who lived in Upavon but had been staying with his mother in Great Bedwyn, died following an incident on the A419 slip road near Commonhead Roundabout on August 27, 2022.

At an inquest on Friday, September 13, Senior Coroner David Ridley concluded Philip died on September 6, 2022 following the incident.

The court heard Philip was struck by a Pewsey Vale Coaches vehicle on the A419 slip near Great Western Hospital shortly after leaving the building in the afternoon.

In a statement read out during the inquest, Philip’s brother Paul said he was a “kind and caring man” who was never boring and had a good sense of humour.

Paul added: “He was an intelligent and articulate man who was highly regarded by all who met him.

“His family loved him dearly and he is sorely missed.”

During his life in Wiltshire, he developed a love of the countryside and animals, particularly birds. He also had a passion for antiques and acting, and appeared on Dickinson’s Real Deal.

Following the incident the 58-year-old was rushed to Southmead Hospital but, despite undergoing treatment, developed pneumonia which led to other health complications 

READ MORE: Workers to strike at Great Western Hospital

GWH in Swindon (Image: Newsquest)Witnesses described how he stepped out in front of the coach, giving the driver “no chance” to avoid him.

In a statement given to police, the driver said Philip walked out in front of him while he was travelling between 25mph and 30mph.

Coroner Ridley recorded a conclusion of suicide.

Before the incident that led to his death, Philip had been driving on the A419 towards Cadley when he hit a tree at slow speed.

Police were called to this one-vehicle crash and found him “distressed and crying”.

Philip was passed into the care of paramedics who took him to Great Western Hospital after being told he had caused the collision.

At the hospital, Philip was assessed and appeared “well” and no longer distressed.

Observations were carried out, but Philip later left the hospital before the second incident happened.

The A419 near GWH in Swindon (Image: Dave Cox) Coroner Ridley said there were no signs that he was a “glaring risk” and that it is unlikely there was anything hospital staff could have done that would have made a difference to the outcome.

Philip had a history of depression and had suffered from stress and anxiety, which the court heard was a contributing factor to his death.

The day before his death, he had been urgently referred to Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership who had contacted him to arrange further treatment over his mental health.

The duty nurse was unable to contact Philip and left a message, but he did not respond.

Philip was born in Marlborough, and lived in Upavon, but stayed with his mother in Great Bedwyn during the second Covid-19 lockdown period.

Philip Regan (Image: Wiltshire Police) Philip worked at multiple auction houses in the area before starting his own antiques shop in Woodborough, Pewsey.

In his spare time, Philip started the Whole Hog Theatre Company with friends, years after studying drama at Swindon College.

In a tribute, his family previously said: “Philip was a kind, caring man who had a passion for antiques and acting.

"He was loved by his family and a very well regarded member of his local community. He will be sadly missed.”

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