Dad-of-four with 'cheeky grin' died after being hit by RAC vehicle in M67 tragedy

A father-of-four died after being hit by a RAC vehicle on the M67, an inquest heard.

Chris Gaffney, 34, walked onto the motorway after leaving a pub. He died of multiple injuries at about 8pm on January 2., South Manchester Coroner's Court in Stockport was told.

An inquest heard Mr Gaffney was seen falling over in the forecourt of a BP garage on Hattersley Road, Hyde, before walking towards Hattersley roundabout. Giving evidence, Detective Constable Emma Kennedy described how an ambulance crew called 999 after almost hitting the demolition worker before trying to find him.

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Mr Gaffney died at the scene after being struck by a RAC vehicle, between junction three and four where there was no hard shoulder. A pathologist report revealed he had taken cocaine and he had catastrophic injuries.

Senior Coroner Alison Mutch said the vehicle was travelling between 45mph and 54mph. She said "It was dark and he was wearing dark clothing. The driver would have had insufficient time to stop."

Ms Mutch added: "The death of Mr Gaffney is a very sad death. He is a relatively young man who has died in what is clear from the evidence is a tragic accident.

"He went on to the M67 on January 2. Visibility was difficult given the time of day, and having entered the M67 on foot he was struck by a vehicle. The evidence of DC Kennedy shows the vehicle was driving appropriately for conditions at the time.

"Having been struck by the vehicle he sustained unsurvivable injuries and died on the M67 itself. I am satisfied with the evidence before me that he did not intend to die that evening."

Ms Mutch concluded that Mr Gaffney, who lived in Denton, had died as a