Accidental death ruled in mum’s tragic crash

Joanna Bull, 29, died when her car crashed at speed into a slow-moving HGV on the M40 near Bicester in June this year.

Her five-week-old baby, Ruby who was in the car at the time escaped completely unhurt after being found following the smash.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded by an Oxford coroner this week, speculating that she may have slipped unconscious or fallen asleep at the wheel.

The inquest heard from witnesses that Mrs Bull, who married her husband David a year earlier, had made no attempt to avoid the articulated lorry on that morning.

The inquest also heard from the driver of the HGV which was reportedly driving around 10mph at the time.

A police investigation concluded Joanna may have fallen asleep at the wheel, suffered a medical episode, been distracted or lost concentration.

The new mum was driving from her home in Kenilworth to visit her mother, Teresa, with her first born when the accident happened at around 11am on June 13.

A pathologist told the inquest that her injuries were unsurvivable.

The medical cause of death was multiple blunt injuries.

Oxfordshire Assistant Coroner Nicholas Graham told Joanna’s family at the hearing that there were many possibilities surrounding her death.

And that it was almost impossible to speculate whether or not she had lost consciousness before the crash.

Jo, who had a degree in Animal Science, ran a day care and boarding home for dogs from the livestock farm in Kenilworth. She and her husband also bred cattle and sheep from the farm during their time together.

After her death, tributes came in from her family who described the mother as a “vibrant and beautiful” woman.

In a statement, her family said: “Jo was a loving wife, mum, daughter, sister, grand daughter, niece and friend to so many and loved by all who knew her.

“She died on her way to visit her mum Teresa, with her five week old daughter Ruby, to meet newborn cousin Harry for the first time.

“Jo was vibrant, beautiful, and caring in so many ways. A girl who added zest to a room and who had found true love and happiness with her husband of just one year, Dave.

“To have her taken from her family at such a happy time is utterly unbearable.

“Jo, we never had the chance to say a proper goodbye, but we will never forget how much fun and laughter you brought into all our lives, you will remain in our hearts and memories always.”