A SOUTH Cumbria man died after his car was involved in a head-on collision with a coach on the A590, an inquest has heard.

Yorick De Munnick, who was 41 and lived at Kendal, was described as “the best friend a person could ever ask for” by his wife after a tragedy which occurred just before 3-30pm on Sunday, 21st January.

An inquest into Mr De Munnick’s death was formerly opened at Cockermouth coroners’ court.

During a short hearing, assistant Cumbria coroner Robert Cohen noted that the collision had taken place between Newby Bridge and Meathop.

“The reported circumstances of Mr De Munnick’s death are that police were contacted at 1527 hours on 21st January by several members of the public and the fire and rescue service, reporting that there had been a road traffic collision on the A590,” said Mr Cohen.

“Prior to arrival on the scene, the attending patrols were informed that the collision had resulted in a fatality. Upon arrival at the scene it was established that Mr De Munnick had been travelling eastbound towards Barrow in a small Suzuki Alto on the single carriageway stretch of the road. A large Volvo coach had been travelling westbound towards Kendal.

“Mr De Munnick’s vehicle had left its allocated lane straight into the path of the coach resulting in a head-on collision. The A590 at this location has a 60mph speed limit.”

Mr Cohen concluded in view of the reported information: “The circumstances are such that it is plainly appropriate that I should open an inquest into the death of Mr De Munnick and I do so.”

The inquest was adjourned to a preliminary date of 2nd July, 2024.

A formal statement of identification had been provided by Mr De Munnick’s wife, Abigail, who issued a moving tribute to her husband, through Cumbria police, after his death.

“Yorick was the best friend a person could ever ask for, not just to one or two chosen ones but for everyone he met,” she had stated.

“Making people laugh was what he lived for, and he made every life he touched a bit better and brighter. He was one of those people you could ring any time of day and he would drop everything to come and help, and make sure everyone was roaring with laughter as he did it.

“He was an amazing fell walker and he loved climbing walls, an honorary Texan and a hard worker. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix and there was nothing he didn't know a little something about. He loved all animals, and all animals loved him.

“He was passionate and kind, but most of all he was my heart, my soul, my joker, the kick up the butt when I needed it, and he left a hole as big as his personality. The world is a little bit quieter now.”