A talented sportsman suffocated to death when a car hit him in a dark alley during a night out, an inquest heard.
Cricketer Jake Neary, 31, from Helmshore, Lancashire, was lying in the alleyway smoking a cigarette when he was hit by an Audi A5 in Rawtenstall in July.
The driver of the car, referred to as Mr Bailey during the hearing, was looking for a place to park before meeting a friend at a nearby bar.
Unable to find a space, he drove his white Audi into the back alley and was unable to see Mr Neary lying in the road due to poor lighting, the investigation heard.
Preston Coroner’s Court was told that when he put the car in reverse it did not move and he heard Mr Neary shout: “Help me.”
After trying to lift the car without success, he ran for help and called emergency services.
A statement from Mr Bailey said: “I had good visibility, I was not distracted and the rear-view mirror had nothing to do with it.”
‘I had the car for four years, I was rested and alert and hadn’t been drinking.
Cricketer Jake Neary, 31, from Helmshore, Lancashire, was lying in the alleyway smoking a cigarette when he was hit by an Audi A5 in Rawtenstall in July.
An autopsy found that Neary died as a result of positional asphyxiation, a lack of oxygen caused by the position in which he was trapped.
“I was later given the news that he had died, I am still in shock and will never forget it.”
It was heard that Mr Bailey did not attend the inquest out of courtesy to Mr Neary’s family as he did not want to cause any unnecessary distress.
PC Rachel Carberry told the inquest there were two streetlights at each end of the 50m-long road, but there was no lighting where the incident occurred.
She told the hearing that the vehicle had been moved up and down, but there was no evidence of the car moving forward and backward.
PC Carberry said: ‘There are no defects or faults in the vehicle which could have contributed to the collision.
‘CCTV footage shows that (the driver) took four seconds, which would indicate a very slow manoeuvre.
‘The alley is quite narrow and it can be difficult to turn at any significant speed.
“Mr Neary was placed with his feet facing Parramatta Street and his head facing away, meaning the driver could only see his feet.
‘The driver would have difficulty recognizing that there was anything there. When it comes to recognition, drivers need contrast.
“A dark object on a dark background is very difficult to recognize, and something low on the road is difficult to recognize and the lack of movement can cause difficulties in seeing the danger.”
Mr Neary, a solicitor, was described as “a true gentleman who lit up a room with his wit and personality”.
A post-mortem examination found that he died as a result of positional asphyxia, a lack of oxygen caused by the position in which he was trapped. He found no damage to his organs.
Coroner Kate Bisset concluded Neary died as a result of a road traffic collision. She said: “It is not clear why he fell on the road and in any case it is tragic.”
In a moving tribute, his family said sport had meant “everything to him” and he especially loved playing golf and cricket.
Mr Neary, a solicitor, was described as “a true gentleman who lit up a room with his wit and personality”.
A statement prepared by his family, read by the coroner, said: “James was kind, sensitive and had a natural talent for sport.” He always took the time to talk to others.’
Cards and letters left in tribute at the scene of his death described him as “witty, charismatic and someone who lit up the room with his unforgettable personality.”
Friends of Mr Neary provided eight statements and one described him as “a true legend, he truly was my best friend and was one of a kind”.
Another said: “There is not enough paper in the world to pay him a proper tribute.”
‘He left everyone he met with a smile. He was a lovely boy, with an incredible bowling arm and smile.
Neary studied law at Manchester Metropolitan University and joined Preston-based law firm Harrison Drury last December.
The firm paid tribute after his death, saying: ‘Jake was not only a valued member of the Harrison Drury team but also a great friend to many of us.
‘Jake will be missed more than words can express.
“Jake was a highly respected and regarded talented solicitor, especially in Clitheroe where our team is ready to support anyone who needs to reach out during this difficult time.”