Police investigation into MW horror crash in Burgundy deemed ‘inadequate’
Philip Tuck, co-founder of UK wine distributer Hatch Mansfield, died from a cycling collision in 2023. This week, a coroner slammed French police for their investigation which leaves “many unanswered questions”.
Master of Wine Philip Tuck died in a cycling accident in France on 20 July, 2023, triggering an outpouring of tributes from the trade.
Patrick McGrath MW, who co-founded Hatch Mansfield with Tuck in 1994, described him as “an immensely kind, loyal and considerate man”, who “‘in an age when we are all taught to be the same… was gloriously his own man”.
This week, Simon Burge of Winchester Coroner’s Court called into question the handling of the investigation into Tuck’s death, which occurred when he was hit by a BMW in the village of Bouilland, Burgundy, while on a cycling holiday with family. Burge’s comments cast doubt over whether or not the accident was in fact “unavoidable”, as claimed by the driver of the car at the time.
Fatal incident
Tuck was on a cycling holiday with his son Felix and a friend when the fatal incident took place.
The French driver of the BMW, who stopped at the scene, told police that he had swerved to avoid the first two riders who had allegedly cut across to the wrong side of the road on a bend, leaving the driver unable to avoid hitting Tuck who he claimed was also cycling on the wrong side of the road.
However, Felix Tuck maintains that his father had a “no-risk mindset”, and that the descent into Bouilland is “wide enough for two cars” and “isn’t particularly technical or steep.”
According to the coroner, French police attending the scene determined that the crash was an accident and that the driver would not be prosecuted.
Partner Content
Contradicting account
Coroner Burge flagged concerns raised by Tuck’s widow Kate that the driver had provided “inconsistent” statements about the incident, including giving a series of differing accounts of his speed ranging from 50kph (31mph) to 70kph (43mph), while driving in what is meant to be an 80kph (50mph) zone.
Photographs of the scene also appear to suggest that the accident took place before the bend, contradicting the driver’s account.
“It was a ghastly accident, however we look at it, and nothing will bring him back, but it’s hugely disappointing if I feel the record states that my husband was riding on the wrong side of the road and there is no independent evidence to corroborate,” Kate Tuck said.
Coroner’s conclusion
Summarising, Burge said: “I do not reach any conclusion that Philip, Felix or Tom were riding recklessly. I find that all three of you having enjoyed a cycling holiday in France, were out for a good time, riding at a leisurely pace.
“Sadly the investigation carried out locally by the gendarmerie was inadequate in my view and leaves many unanswered questions.
A memorial service was held for Philip Tuck MW at Southwark Cathedral in London on 15 February, 2023.
Related news
Wines of Hungary makes central Europe the centre of attention
Trinity Hill taps into rising demand for white wines in Asia
