A MAN who died in an early-hours crash by Rhos-on-Sea promenade took his life, an inquest ruled.

Anthony Wynn Edwards, of Trillo Avenue, Rhos-on-Sea, died aged 86 on August 19, 2023.

Following a full inquest into his death, held at County Hall, Ruthin today (September 27), John Gittins, senior coroner for North Wales (East and Central), recorded a conclusion of suicide.

Mr Edwards’ medical cause of death was stated as thoracic spine and chest injuries due to road traffic collision.

The inquest heard that Mr Edwards, a Wrexham-born retired pharmacist, was driving a silver Mercedes-Benz car when the single-vehicle crash occurred on West Promenade at 3.37am.

His car hit a wall surrounding Princess Court and a junction connecting West Promenade with Marine Road.

Mr Edwards was not ejected from the car as a result of the crash, and remained in the driver’s seat when it came to rest.

He was found to be wearing a lanyard around his neck, which had a plastic wallet attached to it; inside this was a business card, a “do not resuscitate” note, his next of kin details, and arrangements for his cremation.

At 4.03am that morning, he was pronounced deceased.

An examination of the car revealed no defects which may have been contributory to the crash, while the examiner concluded Mr Edwards had not been wearing his seatbelt at the time.

A post-mortem examination found “evidence of self-harm” on Mr Edwards’ part prior to the crash, as well as signs of significant cardiac disease.

The two pedestrians walking along West Promenade when the car crashed said they recalled it travelling at speed, before hearing a “bang” and seeing the car “spinning” in the road.

Elizabeth Jones, a cleaner at Mr Edwards’ flat, said he had told her two days prior to the crash that his back was “causing him too much pain”, having also attended Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan because of this.

Concluding, Mr Gittins offered his condolences to Mr Edwards’ loved ones, saying: “My view is that this was a deliberate act undertaken by Mr Edwards with the intention of harming himself, and sadly, he succeeded in so doing.”

For support, anyone can contact Samaritans for free, at any time, from any phone, on 116 123.