Woman, 22, crushed to death by overloaded quad bike when it toppled over while she sprayed weeds on her farm
A WOMAN was crushed to death by an overloaded quad bike as she sprayed weeds at her farm, an inquest heard.
Laura Simmons, 22, was covering the plants with herbicide along a fence when the 350kg vehicle toppled over.
The shepherdess’ neck was broken after she became trapped underneath the quad bike during the horror in the Cotswolds.
Laura was found by a jogger on June 2, 2023, but sadly couldn’t be saved and was declared dead shortly after.
A jury at her inquest returned a unanimous verdict of accidental death.
They heard how Laura had spent time with her mum Karen Simmons, who had travelled to Spoonley Farm for a holiday, before heading out to work.
She is believed to have been riding one-handed, using her free hand to spray the herbicide from a lance.
Although she was a “very careful operator”, Laura was working on rough terrain and the job needed to be “delicate” and “slow”.
HSE Mechanical Engineering Specialist David Whitton told the hearing the quad bike also had four underinflated tyres – with one completely flat.
He found the rack, which was designed to hold up to 30kg, was actually carrying 49kg in weight.
The expert said: “I found several factors that would have reduced the dynamic stability of the ATV [all terrain vehicle], which would have increased the risk of the ATV overturning.
“I’m of the opinion that the ATV overturned as a result of one or more of these factors whilst manoeuvring on uneven terrain.”
The inquest was told Laura was not wearing a helmet at the time but this would not have prevented her death anyway.
Laura’s dad, farmer Toby Baxter, said the tragedy was a “combination of unfortunate circumstances”.
He said: “She wasn’t doing anything wrong… she was basically going along probably listening to music, not totally paying attention, we all do that when we’re driving.
“This is a tragic accident, it’s affected everyone.”
In a tribute, mum Karen said animal-lover Laura loved working outdoors and was “happy, healthy and very content” working on the farm.
She added: “Laura was a much loved daughter, sister and aunty.
“We are heartbroken that she was tragically killed in a quad bike accident last year at the young age of 22.
“She was a very caring person, gentle, kind and humorous with a beautiful smile.
“I went to visit her for a holiday and met her for about one hour the day she died, little did I know that she would never return from her work.
“It has been life-changing for my family to lose our dear Laura and she will be forever in our hearts.”