Family’s moving tribute to ‘loving father’ of four who died in Northamptonshire road collision
“Lewis was a loving father adored by his four beautiful children, who were inspired by him” – Lewis Armour's family
The family of a father-of-four who died after being struck by a pick-up truck on a Northamptonshire road have described him as a “mentor, a role model and an inspiration”.
Lewis Armour, aged 35, died following a collision with a black Ford Ranger on the A4500 Main Road, near Earls Barton, in the early hours of November 24, 2024.
An inquest into his death took place at Northampton's Guildhall on Thursday, November 12, where Senior Coroner Anne Pember recorded a conclusion of road traffic collision.
In a tribute, Mr Armour's family spoke of how much he meant to those closest to him.
They said: “Lewis was a loving father adored by his four beautiful children, who were inspired by him. Lewis will be missed by all our family, friends and those that ever had the pleasure of meeting him.”
The inquest heard that Mr Armour, from the Kettering area, had been walking near the junction of Main Road and Wellingborough Road shortly before the collision, which happened at around 1.44am.
PC Jenny Ridgley, from Northamptonshire Police's forensic collisions unit, said CCTV footage showed him walking back and forth, with a bright light believed to be his mobile phone.
He was wearing dark clothing and the road was unlit, with rain affecting visibility.
Investigators estimated the Ford Ranger was travelling between 27mph and 50mph, although its precise speed could not be established. The speed limit was 40mph.
Its brake lights illuminated approximately two seconds before impact.
PC Ridgley said it was unlikely there had been sufficient time to avoid a collision.
The driver, Barry Hallett, was found to have more than twice the legal limit of cannabis in his blood. He subsequently pleaded guilty to drug-driving and was disqualified for 15 months, fined £216 and ordered to pay costs and a surcharge, the inquest heard.
However, PC Ridgley said she could not determine what effect cannabis consumption had on his driving.
Pathologist Dr Biggs identified multiple blunt force injuries, with the most serious affecting Mr Armour's head.
Toxicology tests also showed Mr Armour had cocaine, cannabis and alcohol in his system, although their effects could not be determined.
Concluding the hearing, Mrs Pember offered her condolences to Mr Armour's family, saying: “I am very sorry for your loss.”