Inquest into deaths of teenagers who died in Rushyford bike crash

Wayne Hodgson, 18, from Spennymoor, and Bobby Grimes, 13, from Newton Aycliffe, died after a collision with a car on Middridge Road, Rushyford, on July 5.

Senior Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield opened the official investigation into their deaths at Crook Coroners’ Court on Monday.

The court was told Wayne, who was unemployed, died at the scene.

Coroner’s Officer Kelly Taylor said: “I understand the circumstances to be that Mr Hodgson was the driver of a motorbike which collided with a car.

“He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

A post-mortem examination by Dr Paul Barrett carried out on July 11 gave the cause of death as ‘multiple traumatic injuries’.

Bobby, a schoolboy, died at the Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle.

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Coroner’s Officer Kelly Taylor said: “I understand the circumstances to be that Bobby was the pillion passenger on a motorbike when the bike has hit a car at speed.

“The rider of the motorcycle died at the scene and Bobby was taken to hospital where he later died from his injuries."

Dr John Glazebrook, who conducted the post-mortem examination, gave the cause of death as cerebral ischaemia, or a lack of blood flow to the brain, traumatic brain injury, and a ruptured spleen.

Proceedings have been adjourned pending further investigation.