An award-winning student described as a “caring generous person” died when she lost control of her car, an inquest has heard.
Megan Thomas, 21, from Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire, died on May 31. An inquest into her death in Milford Haven yesterday heard how she died after suffering head injuries when her Peugeot collided with an oncoming car on a bend on the A40 between Nantgaredig and Llandeilo.
Coroner Mark Layton said a number of factors may have contributed to the accident near the Halfway Inn.
He said the speed Megan was driving at, a partially deflated tyre, the presence of a small amount of alcohol and drugs in her system and the possible use of her mobile phone may all have been factors.
Ms Thomas, described as “bubbly and charismatic”, had left the Together Festival in Carmarthen at around 8pm to go to her shift at work but had told a senior member of staff that she felt unwell, and had left before 10pm.
Close friend Jason Thomas, who was working at the festival, and who had been with Ms Thomas and a group of friends earlier that day, said he received a text telling him she would be on her way back.
“I texted her back saying ‘see you soon’. I remember that in literally under a minute Megan was ringing me.
“I remember that she said she’d got out of work,” he said.
Sergeant Andrew King, a collision investigation officer, said Ms Thomas had been travelling at around 60 to 70mph hour when she lost control of her car.
“As Megan approached the left hand bend she crossed the carriageway leaving her lane and crossing double white lines and in the process collided with a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction.
“If the speed calculations are to be relied upon, these are close to the maximum speed and would be inappropriate to try and negotiate a bend,” he said.
Sgt King said Ms Thomas’ front off-side tyre was partially deflated but that it could not be determined how much that had been caused by the accident itself.
He also said that a blood toxicology report showed Ms Thomas may have been “suffering the toxic effects of MDMA ecstasy and MDA” at the time of her death.
A blood toxicology report also showed that Ms Thomas had a small amount of alcohol in her system, a level of 70mg per 100ml of blood. The legal driving limit is 80mg.
Sgt King added: “It would appear this tragic collision was the result of several factors including inappropriate speed travelling into the bend, the effects of earlier drug use, the low air pressure in the tyre, the possible use of a mobile phone, and the excitement of meeting friends.”
In a statement, Ms Thomas’ family said she was a music lover who enjoyed attending festivals and would assist organisers with pyrotechnic displays.
“Megan was extremely proud to have recently been accepted to Buxton University to complete a degree in Outdoor Pursuits and Education to enable her to eventually lecture this interest of hers to others,” the statement said.
“She was a caring and loving person and worked full-time as a care assistant for adults with special needs – a job which she really enjoyed.
“Megan will be very sadly missed by her family and friends who would like to thank everyone who has offered their support and kind wishes.”
Mr Layton recorded that Ms Thomas died of head injuries as a result of a road traffic collision.
“It is clear that Megan will be remembered by the family as a caring generous person, and she is incredibly missed,” he said
