Toddler driveway death 'accident'

Iolo's family said, 'mischievous smile will never be forgotten'

A coroner is to ask a Jeep manufacturer to make some changes after a Conwy toddler died when his uncle reversed out of his parents' driveway.

The Liverpool coroner Andre Rebello said it was not clear whether Iolo Fon, who was just 17 months old, had actually been hit by the vehicle.

But he said the boy's death in the April accident was an "appaling tragedy".

He said he would write to Jeep Cherokee to ask them to make adjustments to the vehicle to reduce the blind spot.

Iolo, the youngest of four brothers, was playing in the garden of his parents' home when the accident happened on 25 April, the inquest on Wednesday heard.

His uncle John Hughes was pulling his silver Jeep Cherokee and didn't realise Iolo was playing in the garden, and thought his pathway was clear.

Pc George Skinner of North Wales Police said it was impossible for Mr Hughes to see his nephew at the side of the car.

The driveway where the toddler suffered the fatal accident

"Mr Hughes didn't realise Iolo was playing in the garden and thought the path was clear," said the officer.

"He only realised there was a problem when he saw Iolo lying on the floor as he drove on."

It was impossible to tell whether the youngster had come into direct contact with the 4x4 a, as there was no contact with the tyres and no evidence of any physical contact.

Iolo suffered a fractured skull and brain injuries. He was airlifted first to Glan Clwyd Hospital at Bodelwyddan, and transferred to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, but died four days later.

Official tests on the Jeep showed that although it gives a good long view, "visibility is poor for parking and close to things", Pc Skinner told the inquest.

'Appalling tragedy'

"We tested the vehicle with a police officer the same height as Mr Hughes and there was no way he could have seen Iolo at the side of the car.

"Unless you were stood some distance away from the vehicle you could only see things higher than 45 inches off the ground.

"Iolo was only 33 inches tall."

Recording a verdict of accidental death the coroner said maybe Iolo was started or hit by the car, or he may simply have slipped trying to get out of the way.

"But I will be writing to Jeep about fitting a lens to reduce the blind spot on the near-side wing mirror.

"This was an appalling tragedy and Jeep should make this minor amendment to ensure it never happens again."

Iolo's parents Gwyn Fon and Alwen Haf Williams did not attend the inquest in Liverpool.

At the time of his death they issued a statement saying Iolo had "lived his short life to the fullest" and that his mischievous smile would never be forgotten.