'Dreadful tragedy' of Melissa's death recalled at inquest

AN inquest in Castlebar today returned a verdict of accidental death in the case of Melissa Patterson (18), Hollow Grove, Castlebar.

The teenager died after being struck by a car while walking on the hard shoulder of the N60 at Carrownurlaur, Breaffy, Castlebar, on July 30, 2015.

Dr. Fadel Bennani, consultant pathologist at Mayo University Hospital, said that the cause of death was multiple injuries.

After hearing the medical evidence, Mr. Gerry Tolster, foreman of the inquest jury, returned a verdict of accidental death.

The coroner, Mr. Pat O'Connor, described the accident as 'a dreadful tragedy' which caused huge emotional scarring for the victim's family and had also traumatised the driver of the car involved.