Derek Pletcher died aged 82 at Southampton General Hospital on July 11, 2025, after broken ribs in a Romsey crash led to pneumonia and respiratory failure. Mr Pletcher lived with wife Jill on Botley Road, Romsey, and was emeritus chemistry professor at the University of Southampton after retiring. Winchester Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest)The court heard from Aiman Alzetani, a consultant thoracic surgeon at University Hospital Southampton. He told the court Mr Pletcher suffered multiple broken ribs and was taken to hospital. He said Mr Pletcher had Parkinson's disease and his condition was worsening.