OAP, 82, died while crossing road

A 'HAPPY and healthy' pensioner died after stepping out into traffic from behind a tree.

- Thomas Cooper

TRAGEDY: Police closed Compton and Cheddleton Road following the collision.

Geoffrey Corden, of Leek, was returning home from one of his regular walks when tragedy struck. An inquest into his death heard the 82-year-old was attempting to cross the A520 Cheddleton Road when he stepped onto the carriageway from Ballington View heading towards Selborne Road.

Despite 'knowing the roads well,' he was struck by a silver Volvo being driven by a 77-year-old at around 5.50pm on May 22.

His son, Richard Corden, said: “Dad was slightly hard of hearing and had visited Specsavers to get hearing aids fitted. He was wearing these on the day of the accident.

“He hadn't had his eyes retested in a while, but he wore bifocal glasses. He was wearing these on the day of the incident.

“He had been at home gardening with my mum before he went out. He enjoyed walking. He went out on a walk along the canal two or three times a week to keep fit. The collision happened during the time he would usually take his afternoon walk. He knew those roads well.”

The inquest also heard a statement from the Volvo driver involved in the collision.