**Family Grieves After Man Dies Crossing M4 in Swansea**
A tragic incident on one of Wales’ busiest motorways has left a family devastated, following the death of Thavarajah Sasikaran, who was struck by a car while crossing the M4 near Swansea. The inquest, held in Swansea, has begun examining the circumstances that led to the 41-year-old’s untimely death on the night of February 18, 2022.
Mr Sasikaran, known as Sasi among family and friends, was described during coroner’s proceedings as appearing “oblivious” to the hazard posed by oncoming traffic. The public inquiry is now investigating not only the events on the motorway, but also the adequacy of medical care and support that Sasi received prior to the incident. Just hours before his death, Sasi had been admitted to Morriston Hospital for symptoms related to acute alcohol withdrawal, but had left the hospital less than 24 hours later.
According to evidence presented by police and medical staff, Sasi was seen via CCTV making his way along the hard shoulder of the motorway’s eastbound carriageway before he crossed into the westbound lanes. At this point, witnesses recounted that he was almost struck by a police vehicle attending a separate emergency, moments before he was hit by a Nissan Qashqai, resulting in fatal injuries. Investigators confirmed that the driver, David Newman, had no opportunity to avoid the collision, and had been travelling at a safe speed appropriate for the conditions.
Sasi’s family has spoken with heartbreak about their loss. His brother explained how Sasi had enjoyed a happy upbringing in Sri Lanka before relocating to London at twenty years old, where he explored his artistic talents. However, the burden of alcohol addiction eventually cast a shadow over his adult life, despite periods of rehabilitation supported by his close-knit family. After separation from his wife, a new start in south Wales saw Sasi working alongside his brother and later living in supported accommodation with the help of homelessness charity Goleudy.
The night of his death, Sasi was reported as leaving Morriston Hospital and heading on foot towards Swansea city centre, where he had resided for the previous year under support. Statements from support workers and hospital staff highlighted the complex mental health and medical challenges he was facing. Earlier that week, he had reported hallucinations and thoughts of self-harm, prompting a taxi journey – rather than ambulance transport – to the hospital, due to limited resources.
While in hospital, Sasi was treated for his alcohol withdrawal and anxiety, but his condition became increasingly volatile. A seizure occurred the following morning, after which staff found him both confused and difficult to manage. Nurses recounted attempts to address his agitation, noting conduct ranging from mixing meals abnormally to aggressive behaviours. The events leading up to his departure from the hospital remain unclear, but early inquest findings indicated that the request for a full mental health assessment was missed because staff had to move Sasi to another area following his seizure.
Following his exit from hospital, Sasi’s actions on the motorway proved fatal. PC Ian Ranford, who was driving the police car that narrowly avoided him, stated that Sasi, dressed in dark clothing, “casually” stepped onto the carriageway, seemingly unaware of the peril. After PC Ranford managed to swerve and avoid a collision, Sasi continued onto the motorway, where he was fatally struck.
Despite concerted efforts from police and off-duty nurses to resuscitate him at the scene, Sasi was declared dead, having suffered severe injuries. The inquest heard that toxicology revealed no alcohol present in his system, and levels of prescribed diazepam were insufficient to cloud his judgment.
The family, now grappling with their loss, have spoken of the irreplaceable gap Sasi’s passing leaves in their lives, emphasising how involved and supportive they had always been. His parents, now residing in Canada, and his brother, who had employed and supported him in Wales, remain bereft at his passing.
The inquest is continuing, with focus now turning to the communication lapses within the hospital that allowed a vulnerable patient to leave and ultimately find himself in harm’s way. The outcome of these hearings may have significant implications for future care policies involving at-risk individuals, especially those with histories of addiction and mental health crises.