…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
An inquest has revealed that Robert Wigram, the son of a former royal equerry, died in an accident when he was hit by a van while trying to hitchhike.
The accident occurred on the A48 Gloucester-Lydney road in Wintles Hill near Westbury-on-Severn, UK, in June 2020.
Wigram, who lived at the High Nash community in Coleford, suffered multiple traumatic injuries and died shortly after the collision.
He was the son of Andrew Wigram, a former equerry to the late Prince Philip.
The 42-year-old had full capacity and had been living independently at the community. The coroner recorded a conclusion of accidental death.
Wigram had told staff at the High Nash community that he was going for a swim in Lydney on June 12, 2020.
Staff later received a report that he was highly intoxicated and had suffered a fall.
He was taken to the hospital, and the staff received a call from him at 6:40 PM, saying that he was with paramedics and waiting to be seen.
Staff later learned that he had reported chest pains.
However, when they tried to call him, they got no reply.
Several statements from people driving on the A48 that night were also recorded.
They saw a man on the roadside, with some reporting that he looked “well gone” with drink.
The driver of the van, Mr. Kuwait Theirendran, said he saw a “ghost-like man” with his arms up above his head appear suddenly on the left, and although he tried to avoid hitting him, the crash was inevitable.
The coroner concluded that Wigram was standing 1.3 metres into the road from the curb on the Newnham-bound lane.
His death was a result of a road traffic accident, according to the evidence presented.
The family of Mr. Wigram released a statement expressing their grief at his passing, describing him as a beloved son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and best friend to many.
The funeral was held in June 2020 at St Michael & All Angels, Poulton.