A “FUN loving” painter and decorator from Stevenage who fell off a bridge and into oncoming traffic on the A1(M) died accidentally, a coroner’s court heard this morning (Thursday).

Shane Dawson, 20, of York Road, was pronounced dead on May 29 after falling off a bridge along Fishers Green which goes over the A1(M) between Junction 8 and 7 for Stevenage at around 12.20am.

Mr Dawson was then hit by a Nissan Micra travelling along the southbound carriageway moments after as he lay in the road, with the car crashing into the central reservation following the collision.

A sample of Mr Dawson’s urine found that he was heavily intoxicated with alcohol.

After hearing evidence at today’s inquest, Hertfordshire coroner Edward Thomas recorded the cause of death as multiple fatal injuries and said: “It was injuries caused by his fall that killed him rather than anything else that happened later.

“I am clear in my mind that he (Mr Dawson) did not really want to die and that’s why I’m recording a verdict of accidental death.”

Mr Thomas also heard evidence from Mr Dawson’s girlfriend Leanne Wise who he was speaking to on his mobile before his death and also sent a video message while on the bridge.

Mr Thomas concluded that if he was serious about taking his own life he would not have communicated with anyone.

A large number of family and friends attended the inquest and Mr Thomas added: “ A lot of you have come today and it is a tribute to him that so many of you care about him so much.”

Before his death, Mr Dawson had attended Thomas Alleyne School in Stevenage and completed a painting and decorating course at North Herts College, working for Stevenage-based painting and decorating firm Colourd�cor.

Speaking after the verdict, Mr Dawson’s father, Peter Breaker-Rolfe, said: “He was a very happy chap and a fun loving chap.

“He was always up on his appearance, particularly his hair.

“He liked to party and loved his football.”