A QUAD bike rider who died after a horror crash in Essex had been drinking heavily on the evening of the tragedy, an inquest heard.

Adam Mander, from Langham, lost control of the bike at Boxted Mill on Saturday, July 21 last year.

The 29-year-old hit a wall at the junction of Wick Road, Lower Farm Road and Sky Hall Hill. He was thrown from the machine after it collided with a bridge pillar seconds earlier.

A coroner’s officer, opening the inquest into Mr Mander’s death yesterday, said: “He lost control and collided with a wall before rolling over and coming to a halt. He was not wearing a helmet. He had been drinking heavily that evening.”

He was taken to Colchester General Hospital but died in the early hours of Monday, July 23.

A post mortem revealed he died from a brain haemorrhage as a result of a severe head injury.

Police collision investigator Steve Perrett, of Essex Constabulary, told the inquest none of the quad bike’s tyres were properly inflated.

“None of the tyres were suitably inflated for use on the road,” he added. “It would have had an adverse effect on the rider when cornering.”

Essex coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said: “Put simply these tyres were not suitable for use on the road.”

The inquest, held at Chelmsford Civic Centre, heard although there was anecdotal evidence to suggest Mr Mander had been drinking, there was no toxicological proof to back this up.

Mrs Beasley-Murray, addressing Mr Mander’s family, concluded: “In light of all of the evidence that has been put forward at this inquest I shall record a verdict that Adam Mander died as a result of an accident.

“It was a tragic, tragic accident and I would like to express the court’s sympathy to you all.

“He was clearly loved by lots of people and had a bright future in front of him.

“I hope you’ll be able to dwell on the positive memories you have of him.”

Among those Colchester-born Mr Mander leaves behind is parents Lewis and Carole, siblings Jonathan and Catherine, and son Billy.

A celebration of Mr Mander’s life was held at St. Mary’s Church, Langham, on August 6.