Man falls to death on motorway after mistaking coach exit for toilet door

A man fell to his death on the M5 motorway after it is thought he mistook an emergency exit on a coach for a lavatory door.

Last Updated: 11:02PM GMT 03 Feb 2009

Daniel James McFarlane: Man falls to death on motorway after mistaking coach exit for toilet door

Daniel James McFarlane, 22, was killed after falling from the vehicle on the motorway and being struck by a car on Saturday evening.

Despite the efforts of an off-duty doctor to save him, Mr McFarlane, from Newport, South Wales, died at the scene from multiple injuries.

His family paid tribute and in a statement issued through police, said: "Danny was a fun loving young man just starting out in life and was very close to his mum."

The carriageway was closed for six hours as police investigated the scene. They are not treating the incident as suspicious.

A spokesperson for the ambulance service said: "On arrival crews found a man on the motorway with multiple injuries who was being cared for by an off duty doctor. "Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of ambulance staff nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene."

A special group dedicated to the 'Life of James McFarlane' on social networking site Facebook has been inundated with tributes since the accident, which happened close to Junction 1 of the motorway, in West Bromwich, West Midlands. The group describes Mr McFarlane as 'a loving and caring boy' who 'was always full of happiness!' It continues: "He is truly missed and I hope he will always be remembered by everyone who knew him and even those who didn't."

Submitted on 02/04/2009

Submitted by: Anonymous
Reference: UK, Daily Telegraph - 4 Feb 09

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Bruce said:
Definitely Toss: Other
Thanks, but we don't accept submissions that are just links since they tend to change, expire, etc. A full writeup, preferably humorous and original, is typically required. The slush pile is full of excellent examples of what we look for.

Candi said:
Definitely Toss: Other
What Bruce said.

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