Motorway driver’s death deemed to have ‘unnatural element’ at inquest

An inquest has been informed of an “unnatural element” concerning the death of Alexander Bell Bonnar, a 69-year-old man from Thornliebank, Glasgow, who drove off a motorway carriageway and crashed into a tree. Mr. Bonnar reportedly suffered a medical episode on 15 August while driving on the M6, between junctions 37 and 38, south of Tebay, Cumbria. Assistant coroner Margaret Taylor, formally opening the inquest at Cockermouth Coroners’ Court, determined that a full hearing would be necessary to establish the cause of death. The inquest has been adjourned until 20 March 2025. Ms Taylor commented: “The very brief circumstances are that Mr Bonnar was travelling northbound on the M6 when it is believed he had a medical episode and veered off the carriageway, on to the hard shoulder and collided with a tree.” She further stated: “Although there clearly has been a medical episode, there is an unnatural element in relation to his death.”