Three killed by river as Land Rover off-road expedition went wrong, inquest told

16 January 2024 , 15:52

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Scott Thomas Daddy pictured (Image: PA)

Three 4x4 car enthusiasts died when their Land Rover was "swept away" in flood water, inquests have heard.

Leslie Forbes and Kenneth Patrick Hibbins died as they tried to cross the River Esk near Glaisdale in the Land Rover on Thursday, December 28, last year, an inquest into their deaths opened today was told, and another was opened last week into Scott Thomas Daddy, who also was killed in the accident.

The inquest into the deaths of Mr Forbes and Mr Hibbins heard that they were part of a 4x4 enthusiasts group. Coroner Jon Heath said they were taking part in an off road expedition when the vehicle was “swept away” by the river.

The men were travelling as part of a convoy of vehicles and were pronounced dead at the scene. Mr Heath gave the cause of death for Mr Forbes and Mr Hibbins as drowning adjourned the hearing to a later date.

The inquest into the death of Kenneth Patrick Hibbins began on Tuesday (PA)

Leslie Forbes pictured also died (PA)

Mr Daddy, 28, was also travelling in the vehicle and died at the scene. His provisional cause of death was given as drowning when his inquest opened last week.

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Emergency services were called to the scene at the River Esk in North Yorkshire, after the vehicle entered the water at around 11.50am on December 28. Tragically, the three men were found dead inside when fire crews pulled the car from the waters at 12.10pm.

Pictures from the incident show the Land Rover Discovery being hauled by a tractor from the flooded river below. Tributes have been paid to three men by their families. Mr Daddy, 28, from Hull, was described by his family as "a loving son, brother, uncle and boyfriend" in a tribute released at the time.

In a statement released through the police, his family said: "Always helping others, 4x4, green laning, scouting and outdoor activities, passionate Hull FC supporter and a big circle of friends.

"He was taken suddenly doing something he enjoyed, but too early. He had a big future ahead of him. He will always be missed by his loving family." The family of Mr Forbes, 70, said he was "a loving husband, father and grandfather, who will be sadly missed by his family and friends." And family members of Mr Hibbins, 59, said he "will be sadly missed by all his close friends and work colleagues."

Tim Hanlon