AN American tourist was hit by a car and killed when she rushed across the road to take a photograph of Stonehenge.

Pamela Darlene Paulsen, 58, from California, was on a two-week holiday in the UK with her partner when she was hit by a Toyota RAV4 on the A344 on November 5 last year.

She was taken to Salisbury District Hospital but died from multiple injuries.

A statement from her partner Ronald Hudson, read out at the inquest into her death, held in Salisbury on Friday, said they decided to stop at Stonehenge on the way back to London from the west country.

They parked in a lay-by on the right-hand side of the road, as the monument’s car park was closed when they arrived at about 5pm.

Mr Hudson said Ms Paulsen got out of the car while he manoeuvred the car, and the first he knew of the accident was when he saw a crowd of people around her.

Cassandra Massey, the driver of the car, was travelling up the road from the A303 and said Ms Paulsen appeared from nowhere.

PC Alan Kyne, of Wiltshire Police’s serious collision investigation department, said Ms Cassey was not travelling any faster than 25 to 30mph in the 40mph limit and could not have avoided hitting Ms Paulsen.

“Pamela had almost completed crossing the road when she was struck by the front near-side of the Toyota,” he said.

“Given the poor lighting available, the dark clothing worn by Pamela and the proximity of other vehicles, there was insufficient time available for Cassandra to avoid the collision.

“There was sufficient time for Pamela to see the approaching vehicle and avoid the collision.”

Ian Singleton, assistant deputy coroner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: “Ms Massey had no chance to avoid this collision. Pamela appeared in the blink of an eye and it was too late.”

Verdict: Accidental death