Colchester cyclist was killed in Northern Approach Road

Vadims Jevstafjevs was cycling along Northern Approach Road, Colchester, when he was struck by a white Mercedes near the junction with Bruff Close on October 15.

The 37-year-old was rushed to Colchester Hospital but, despite the best efforts of paramedics, he later died from his injuries.

Essex Coroner’s Court heard Mr Jevstafjevs had suffered a severe traumatic injury to his cervical spine shortly after 7pm.

Area Coroner Michelle Brown stated the driver of the Mercedes tested positive for cannabis at the scene and was arrested.

Big heart - Vadims Jevstafjevs' family said he was a loving man (Image: Essex Police)

During the inquest on Friday, Mr Jevstafjevs’ cousin revealed he had plans to move to Jersey to be closer to his mother and sister.

“I was supposed to meet him in one week’s time and it never happened,” she said.

“When I talked with friends [they told me] the last thing he wanted to tell me, because that evening we were supposed to speak on the phone [and he was going to reveal] he wanted to move to Jersey.

“He wanted to be closer to family.”

She continued: “It’s still very hard at times for the family. I find the report very hard to read.

“To the people who helped Vadims, I would like to say thank you.”

Collision - the scene of the incident (Image: Newsquest)

The court heard suspicions had been raised about marks left on the deceased’s jacket, which was new, however the coroner stated these would have been to do with the impact from the car.

Ms Brown declared the cause of his death was a road traffic accident.

“Reading this report, he was such a lovely man, he really was a lovely man and it’s such a tragic accident,” she added.

“It’s nice he has good friends and relatives. Please send my regards and sympathy to everybody who knew him.”

In a statement, another cousin said: “Vadims you have left footprints on our hearts, things will never be the same for us without you, we miss you so much and hold dearly our memories of you."