An 11-year-old boy tragically killed in a bus crash was 'trying to get to his mum', a coroner's report has concluded. Seth Fulton crossed the road on his bike when it was 'not safe to go', according to the inquest.
Details of the Incident
Seth was cycling on the pavement along Nottingham Road in Chaddesden, Derby, on April 17, when he saw his mother on the other side of the road. He decided to cross over to her, but was hit by a bus, which threw him into the path of a VW Polo.
The child died from his injuries the same day at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. Susan Evans, coroner for Derby and Derbyshire, completed an inquest in writing on Wednesday and concluded that it was “not safe” for Seth to cross the road.
Coroner's Findings
Ms Evans added that neither the driver of the VW Polo nor the bus had “sufficient opportunity” to avoid the crash. She concluded that Seth died in a road traffic collision while his cause of death was recorded as a traumatic head injury.
The coroner wrote on the record of inquest: “On the 17th of April 2026, Seth Fulton was cycling along the pavement of Nottingham Road in Chaddesden when he saw his mum on the opposite pavement. He attempted to cross the road when it was not safe to do so. He cycled in front of a VW Polo car on the nearside lane and as he got to the far side carriageway, he was hit by a bus coming from his left. This impact caused him to be thrown into the path of the VW Polo. He suffered significant injuries and was conveyed to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham where he died later that day. Neither driver had sufficient opportunity to avoid a collision.”
Family's Tribute
In a statement released by Derbyshire Police after Seth’s death, his parents said he “had a lust for life, loved wildlife and was adventurous”. They added: “Everyone who came into contact with Seth will never forget him. He loved his friends as much as they all loved him.”
