Driver drowned after crashing car into river

Callum Norris "drive at speed" before entering the river, and inquest found

A man drowned after his car went through a barrier and into a river, an inquest has concluded

Callum Norris, 23, from Whitchurch, Bristol, died on 25 February 2023 after crashing through a pedestrian barrier on York Road, Bedminster, and plunging into the River Avon.

An inquest into his death at Avon Coroner's Court on Wednesday found that he suffered hypothermia and drowning after being submerged in the water.

Attempts were made to resuscitate him, but he later died at the Bristol Royal Infirmary.

Two other people who were in the car at the time survived, but required hospital treatment.

Coroner Myfanwy Buckeridge found that Mr Norris, a roofer by trade, "drove at speed" and lost control of his car, crossing a junction and then going through a barrier on the edge of the river.

The car went through the barrier between the River Avon and York Road in Bedminster

In a statement released shortly after his death, Mr Norris' family paid tribute to their "beautiful son", saying: "Our lives will never be the same. We are all heartbroken and we will love you always and forever."

After the incident Avon and Somerset Police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as "result of police being in the proximity at the time", but added there was no pursuit involving the car.

An IOPC spokesperson today confirmed to the BBC that it was not investigating the matter.