Schoolboy, 12, died from ‘catastrophic head accidents’ after freak biking accident whereas on tenting journey along with his father, inquest instructed
A 12-year-old boy on a bike ride with his father was tragically killed in a freak accident after hitting a telegraph pole when his brakes failed, an inquest has heard.
Rufus Pomeroy, who was also known as Red, was an experienced cyclist who had gone on a planned camping trip with his father during the half-term school holidays, last May.
The pair were on a ride in remote hills near Hay-on-Wye, Powys, when Rufus realised his brakes were not working properly.
They decided Rufus would push his bicycle unless the terrain was flat, before riding off ahead of his father, the inquest heard.
But Rufus went on a road he did not know ‘which quickly descended into a steep hill.’
The inquest heard William had stopped to close a farm gate in a rural area when his son rode off away from him.
The youngster, of Bristol, ‘lost control of his bike’ before he suffered a ‘heavy collision’ with a telegraph pole.
William saw his son’s bicycle on the ground near the pole while Rufus was lying unconscious on his back near a fence.

Rufus Pomeroy, 12, was tragically killed in a freak accident after hitting a telegraph pole when his brakes failed, an inquest has heard

Rufus and his father, William, were on a ride in remote hills near Hay-on-Wye, Powys, when the youngster realised his brakes were not working properly

The inquest heard William had stopped to close a farm gate in a rural area when his son rode off away from him
Emergency services rushed to the ‘isolated location’ to take Rufus to Hereford County Hospital on May 28 last year.
He died from catastrophic head injuries that day after not wearing a helmet in the horrific accident.
Rufus, a Year 8 pupil at Redland Green School in Bristol, was described by headteacher Ben Houghton as ‘a lovely and valued member of our school community’.
He said at the time that the school community had been ‘deeply saddened’ and ‘devastated’ by the loss.
In a letter to parents, he wrote: ‘I would like to express our heartfelt thoughts and condolences to Rufus’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.’
In a separate tribute website set up in his memory, a message stated that the youngster had ‘tragically died doing what he loved: cycle camping in the great outdoors with his dad.’
It added: ‘Rufus was much loved and will always be remembered by all who knew him.’
Following the tragedy, his parents asked well-wishers to make a donation in his memory, with the proceeds shared between the Felix Road Adventure Playground and the Robert Fuller Wildlife Park, where the youngster enjoyed spending his time.
Coroner Rachel Knight said: ‘Sadly, likely due to the speed he achieved and his lack of working brakes, Rufus lost control of his bike and suffered a heavy collision with a telegraph pole.

Rufus, pictured with his mother Yolanda, was described by his headteacher as ‘a lovely and valued member of our school community’

Rufus, pictured on a previous cycling trip, died from catastrophic head injuries after not wearing a helmet in the horrific accident

In a separate tribute website set up in his memory, a message stated that the youngster had ‘tragically died doing what he loved: cycle camping in the great outdoors with his dad’
‘Rufus was not wearing a helmet, and sustained catastrophic head injuries. He was taken to hospital and tragically he died.’
The coroner recorded the cause of death as an accident at the documentary inquest in Pontypridd, South Wales.