Cambridge man who died in crash suffered traumatic brain injury

A man who died when the car he was a passenger in left the road and crashed into a tree in Wilburton suffered a traumatic brain injury, according to the post mortem examination. The inquest into the death of Ben Bland, from Scotland Road in Cambridge, was opened at Lawrence Court in Huntingdon by area coroner Caroline Jones on Thursday (November 7).

The 19-year-old man was a passenger in a black Skoda Fabia VRS travelling in West End. This car left the road and crashed into a tree at about 9.50am on Friday, October 25.

Ben was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where he died of his injuries two days later. A police investigation into the incident is ongoing and, as a result, no date has been set for the inquest into Ben's death to be held.

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The driver of the car, 21-year-old Levi Baxter from Cunningham Close, Cambridge, has been charged with causing serious injury by driving whilst disqualified, driving whilst disqualified and using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance. He was remanded in custody following his first court appearance.

In a tribute to her son, which she described as a "statement no mother ever dreams of having to do", Ben's mother said: "It truly breaks my heart and soul that following the tragic collision, my youngest baby boy, my rock, my everything, who was always by my side, devastatingly passed away at 12.50pm on Sunday, 27 October, surrounded by his family as he took his final breath after his life support was withdrawn.

"I have no idea how to explain this pain and loss of my baby boy - the youngest of my four children. Not only have I lost my baby boy, but his two brothers and sister have also lost their little brother.

"Ben has also left behind his cherished and loved three-year-old son Luca. I’ve been blessed deeply with the support that my family and friends have given me plus that of the enormous support of Ben’s friends who spent every hour possible by his side during his time in hospital, visiting and saying their goodbyes, sharing memories and the amazing character of my Ben.

"Ben will be missed by everyone that knew him. Our family will never be the same without Ben. We will always love you."