A pedestrian who died after being struck in a crash in Stratford has been formally named as 76-year-old James McCubbin.
The incident happened on The Grove, near Stratford Library, at around 4:40pm on Friday, July 4. Mr McCubbin was rushed to the trauma centre at The Royal London Hospital, where he tragically died in theatre at 7:26pm the same day.
Police confirmed that a woman was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drugs. She has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
Inquest opened
An inquest into Mr McCubbin’s death was opened at East London Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, 20 August.
Senior coroner Graeme Irvine said:
“The cause of death is clearly an unnatural cause of death and accordingly I have to open an inquest.”
Mr McCubbin, who lived on Gift Lane, not far from the crash site, had reportedly become estranged from his family in recent years. Coroner Irvine confirmed efforts are being made to trace relatives and that his family will be granted ‘interested person’ status, allowing them to scrutinise evidence and question witnesses at the full hearing.
The coroner also indicated that CCTV from the busy Stratford street—lined with shops and commercial premises—would likely form part of the investigation.
A full inquest will take place at a later date.