M25 driver was at 'high risk' of heart attack when he died at wheel with coach full of passengers

A driver died at the wheel of a coach full of passengers on the M25 after a heart attack, the risk of which "appeared to be established", a coroner has ruled.

James Baxter, 78, has been named at the driver who died near Junction 15 just before 9am on September 2022 when he had a heart attack while driving his Mercedes-Benz coach. The vehicle was full of 25 American exchange students, who were going to their London accommodation from Buckinghamshire.

A 'hero' member of the public clocked the unconscious driver and took control of the steering wheel, bringing the coach to a safe stop. The coach veered across three lanes of traffic before hitting the central reservation and stopping on the hard shoulder.

It has been determined by post mortem that Mr Baxter died from an acute right coronary artery thrombosis secondary to plaque rupture, due to severe ischaemic heart disease. This was a natural cause of death.

Mr Baxter was a qualified and lawfully licensed passenger-carrying coach driver. However, a Prevention of Future Deaths report published today (29 April) highlights that with Mr Baxter being overweight, diagnosed with high blood pressure, and a Type 2 diabetic, this meant he was at high risk of a heart attack.

Coroner Ian Wade wrote: "Mr Baxter was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes...and Hypertension. His medical history showed that he was obese and gaining weight in 2020... his diabetes was poorly controlled. In itself, this history does not make it clear that Mr Baxter was medically unfit to hold a Category D licence. However, aged 78, with chronic and poorly controlled diabetes and high blood pressure, the circumstances in which he would develop ischaemic heart disease and be at risk of suffering a serious coronary episode, of the sort he suffered on 4th September 2022, appeared to be established."

The DVLA have since said that they do carry out tests on people hearts, but only when this has been specifically flagged to them. It was suggested that a risk-based system would be useful, which would take into account people's age and their other conditions, rather than just symptoms of heart problems.

A DVLA spokesperson said: “All drivers must ensure that they are medically fit to drive and are legally required to inform the DVLA of the onset or worsening of a medical condition affecting this. We are considering the points made in the coroner’s report and will respond in due course.”

They added that third parties, including doctors and police, can also notify the DVLA quickly about diagnosed or suspected health problems.

When Mr Baxter died, there were six passengers on the coach, four women in their late teens and two teenage girls, who suffered minor injuries from the windows smashing during the impact with the central reservation, but did not require hospital treatment, in large part thanks to the 'hero' passenger - Marie Gumpert

Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg presented Marie Gumpert with a commendation for her act of heroism earlier this year. Marie said at the time: “Receiving the chief constable's commendation is an overwhelming honour.

“This award will forever remind me of the collective strength displayed during such a critical moment as well as the impact we can have when we decide to take action in the face of danger.

“I am deeply humbled to receive this award, grateful for the support of the community, and inspired by the resilience of the passengers.

“I extend my profound gratitude not only for the recognition but even more so for the lives saved that day, made possible with the invaluable assistance of Thames Valley Police during and following the accident.”

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Bettington, head of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “There is no doubt that Marie’s quick thinking, actions and intervention, along with other passengers, directly contributed to the safe conclusion of this awful incident. If Marie had not done what she did, I have no doubt in my mind that there would have been multiple casualties or worse. Her actions were selfless and commendable.

“Policing and other emergency services cannot function well without the support of the public. I have no doubt Marie protected all those on board from serious harm.

“Thames Valley Police is incredibly grateful for what Marie did and I thank her for her support and for her public service. Our thoughts also remain with the driver’s family.”

The Prevention of Future Deaths report was addressed to the Department for Transport, who are legally required to respond within 56 days. SurreyLive also approached the department for comment.

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