THE reason a 32-year-old electrician's car left the A450 near Harvington is likely to remain a mystery, a Stourport inquest heard.

Worcestershire coroner, Victor Round, said that Richard Smith, of Woodham Close, Rubery, was found dead in his overturned red Peugeot 405 at around 2.40am on Monday, October 17.

Mr Round said: "Why Mr Smith left the carriageway is unknown and is likely to remain that way. It would appear that whilst presumably attempting to negotiate the right-hand bend he has, for whatever reason, simply misjudged the speed, line and course taken and failed to control his vehicle with the unfortunate result. The only person who could have told us, unfortunately, lost their life."

Recording a verdict of accidental death, he added: "There is no evidence to suggest that either a second vehicle or animal was involved, which could have caused Mr Smith to lose control of the vehicle.

"Unfortunately, the circumstances surrounding this collision will never be known and it would appear to be a tragic accident."

A post mortem revealed Mr Smith died from fracture dislocation of the cervical spine.

It was believed he had been travelling from the direction of Mustow Green towards West Hagley.