Inquest hears bird strike led to tragic death of Wexford motorcyclist
Wexford PeopleA verdict of accidental death was returned at a recent sitting of Wexford Coroner’s Court into the death of motorcyclist Paul O’Brien, who died following a single-vehicle road traffic collision near Taghmon.
The inquest heard that Mr O’Brien, aged 59, from Old Court, Adamstown, was pronounced dead at the scene on March 15, 2025, after his motorcycle collided with an ESB pole.
Evidence was given by Garda Jean Fogarty, attached to New Ross Garda Station, who attended the scene after receiving a report of the collision at approximately 6.55pm. Upon arrival, she observed a motorcycle that had sustained extensive damage and the body of Mr O’Brien lying a short distance away.
The court heard that Mr O’Brien’s son, Aaron O’Brien, had been travelling behind his father on a separate motorcycle and witnessed the accident. He later provided a statement to gardaí outlining how a large bird had suddenly flown from the left-hand side of the road and struck his father’s helmet, causing him to lose control.
Aaron immediately contacted his mother and the emergency services before administering CPR until paramedics arrived at the scene.
“I was the last person to see my father alive,” his statement said.
The court also heard a statement from Mr O’Brien’s partner, Pauline, who recalled receiving a phone call from her son after the collision telling her to “come quick.”
She travelled to the scene where she found Aaron performing CPR on his father while awaiting emergency services. She later formally identified Mr O’Brien’s body.
Evidence was also heard from Garda John Coughlan of the Garda Forensic Collision Investigation Unit. His examination found that the collision occurred on the L3071 at Taghmon at approximately 6.55pm.
The investigation determined that Mr O’Brien was riding a BMW S1000R motorcycle in dry weather and good road conditions when a pheasant emerged from the left-hand side of the road. In an apparent attempt to avoid the bird, the motorcyclist swerved to the right-hand side of the road. Despite the evasive action, contact was made with the pheasant.
As a result, the motorcycle entered the grass verge where it subsequently collided with a utility pole and a hedgerow tree.
An examination of the motorcycle by a Public Service Vehicle Inspector concluded that the vehicle was most likely in good mechanical condition prior to the collision.
A post-mortem examination carried out found that Mr O’Brien died as a result of severe cranial trauma sustained in the collision.
Returning her verdict, Wexford Coroner Fíona Reynolds recorded a finding of accidental death, noting that Mr O’Brien had swerved after a bird entered his path before colliding with the pole.
The coroner extended her sympathies to Mr O’Brien’s family, while members of An Garda Síochána also conveyed their condolences.