AN “EXCEPTIONAL young man with a huge future ahead of him” died after a collision with a taxi while he walked home from a night out with friends, an inquest heard.

Former Richard Huish College student Ross Paterson was returning home in the early hours of March 16 when he was struck by a vehicle on Obridge Viaduct in Taunton.

The 23-year-old, who the inquest heard was more than three times the legal drink-drive limit when he was struck, suffered multiple injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

West Somerset Deputy Coroner Tim Hayden recorded a verdict of accidental death after police investigations found no evidence to suggest any wrongdoing on the part of the taxi driver.

The inquest in Taunton heard how the Obridge Viaduct can be a “gloomy piece of road at that time of night” with street lights on one side of the road only.

Concluding, Mr Hayden said there was a “clear and obvious risk” when people are under the influence of alcohol and on a carriageway in dark clothing.

Addressing Mr Paterson’s family, he said: “This was a young man with his future ahead of him and that I accept that your grief may not be satisfied by any investigation into these circumstances but I extend my condolences to you and to the rest of your family.

“It is clear that this is described as a gloomy piece of road at that time of night – street lights on one side of the road only and the road subject to a 40mph speed limit.”

The inquest heard how a first response paramedic had previously driven past Mr Paterson prior to the accident and had to slow down to allow him to cross the road.

The same paramedic was later called to the scene after Mr Paterson was struck by the taxi.

PC Andrew Grigg, of the Avon and Somerset collision investigation team, said the damage was “consistent with a 40mph impact”

and that “if the driver had been travelling at 40mph he would not have been able to avoid Mr Paterson”.

Ross Paterson’s aunt, Helen Evans, has helped to set up a charity in Ross’ memory to raise awareness for those planning a night out and to ensure they know exactly how they are getting home.

The Get Home Safe charity has been set up by Ross’ family, friends and supporters – and Helen said: “Ross was an exceptional young man with a huge future ahead of him and this charity is his legacy.

“We are in the process of getting a short film made about getting home safe and stressing to young adults about the effects of such tragedies and the people who are left behind.

“Richard Huish College have kindly offered to be part of the film and we have received such phenomenal support from so many people, some of whom have similar stories to tell.

“The charity is really taking off and we’re really grateful to everyone for their support.”

Follow the campaign on Twitter @GetHomeSafe23 or visit gethomesafe.

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