Coroner hears how Sean died (From York Press)
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York coroner Donald Coverdale opens the inquest into how Sean Hamilton died
10:20am Tuesday 6th October 2009 in Sean Hamilton
Coroner hears how Sean died
TEN-YEAR-OLD hit-and-run victim Sean Hamilton died of multiple injuries, a coroner heard.
An inquest into the death of tragic Sean was opened and adjourned by York coroner Donald Coverdale yesterday.
He said: “I am told that on October 3 at about 8pm he was on the way home on Holgate Road when he was struck by a transit van.
“He suffered very serious injuries and he was dragged down the road for some distance. An ambulance arrived and attempts were made to help this boy on the scene.
“He was then taken by ambulance to York Hospital, but by 9.17pm he was found to have died from his injuries.
“A post-mortem has been carried out and in the pathologist’s opinion the cause of death is one of multiple injuries caused by a road traffic collision.”
Mr Coverdale said a full inquest would be held following the conclusion of police inquiries.
“Police inquiries are continuing, and at this stage therefore I am opening this inquest and adjourning it so the body can be released to the family for a funeral,” he said.
Saturday’s tragedy sparked a city-wide man-hunt, after which five local men, all aged between 16 and 22, were arrested in connection with Sean’s death. The five have since been released on police bail.
Witnesses to the smash are still being sought by police.
Traffic Sergeant Andy Quigley, of the York Road Policing Group, said: “Even the smallest piece of information could prove important.
“I am also appealing to anybody who noticed the Ford Transit van or Sean prior to the collision.”
Anybody who saw the crash or has any information which could help with inquiries should phone North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060 247, quoting reference number 12090172354, or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
