Inquest reveals how young motorcyclist died whilst riding in Verwood

George Eddie Pearson Dawson, 17, was riding his silver Honda motorcycle along the B3072 Verwood Road, near Potterne Park, during the early hours of August 6. 

An inquest, held at Bournemouth Town Hall, revealed how the 17-year-old, from Blandford, had been in Verwood visiting his friend that evening. 

Reading out a report by Dorset Police, coroner Rachael Griffin said Geogre then left before visiting another friend’s house before leaving shortly after midnight on his Honda 125cc motorcycle with a friend, who was riding a black Yamaha motorcycle.

Flowers left at the scene in Verwood Road (Image: Daily Echo)

They both went for a ride together, both in convoy and with “no plan, but simply to ride”, with conditions being described by police as “dry and warm”, the inquest heard. 

For most of the ride the two friends rode side-by-side along Verwood Road towards Three Legged Cross until the road speed limit changed from 30mph to 40mph when George started to ride in front.

The inquest heard George then looked over his shoulder at his friend, did not see a bend in the road and hit a curb which caused him to “wobble and lose balance”. 

He then came off his motorbike and struck a “fairly solid fence” where he sustained a “significant head injury” described as “unsurvivable”. He was pronounced dead at 1.41am on Saturday, August 6. 

Coroner Rachael Griffin who presided over the Bournemouth hearing on Monday, December 19, said George had died of “multiple injuries” after the crash.

Flowers left at the scene in Verwood Road (Image: Daily Echo)

There was no contact between the two motorbikes and nor was there a third party involved and he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Ms Griffin said: “I offer my sincere condolences to George’s family and all that knew him.” 

She added it was “clear to all that knew him” George was “much-loved”. 

George had recently finished sixth form and was working full-time as a fabricator. He was described as being “comfortable with the bike”, having ridden since he was 16. 

The inquest heard how George’s motorbike was “poorly maintained” and had an underinflated tyre, which “could have had a negative effect of the handling”. 

George’s sister, Madeline Pearson Dawson, previously paid tribute to her brother, telling the Daily Echo: “George was a funny character, always kind to others when they were kind to him. 

“He had so many friends and a big family who truly loved him.”

The coroner said his death was caused by a road traffic collision.