### Husband Dies After Car Park Tragedy in Nottinghamshire
A Nottinghamshire community has been left in shock after a much-loved local man, David Charles Seymour Chivers, lost his life in what has been described as a heart-breaking and unforeseeable accident. The fatal incident, which occurred on 12 September 2024, took place at the Priorswell Road car park in Worksop, while Mr Chivers and his wife, Elaine Valentine, were making preparations for an event scheduled for the following week.
An inquest held at Nottingham Coroner’s Court on 30 July 2025 revealed the sequence of events that led to the 72-year-old’s untimely death. Evidence was presented detailing how Mr Chivers had exited the couple’s Vauxhall Insignia to attempt to unlock a height barrier at the rear of the car park. Efforts to disengage the padlock proved difficult due to its elevated position, with both Mr Chivers and Mrs Valentine initially outside the vehicle, according to coroner Sarah Wood.
Following a spell of unsuccessful attempts to reach the barrier, Mrs Valentine returned to the driver’s seat of their car, presumably to reposition the vehicle. Meanwhile, Mr Chivers remained beside the driver’s door, which was left open as he continued his efforts. In a tragic turn, the car suddenly reversed, knocking Mr Chivers to the ground before proceeding to run over him.
Pathology reports delivered to the court confirmed that Mr Chivers’ cause of death was a catastrophic head injury resulting in severe brain trauma, injuries deemed to be incompatible with survival. The coroner concluded the death was accidental, highlighting that Mr Chivers had inadvertently placed himself in harm’s way moments before the car unexpectedly accelerated in reverse.
Coroner Sarah Wood told the inquest that “the vehicle reacted abruptly and caused a sudden increase in speed,” leaving Mr Chivers with no time to either move clear or protect himself. The coroner also drew attention to the psychological strain Mrs Valentine now faces, observing that she “is very unlikely to recover from” the traumatic accident.
The narrative provided by police at the scene further explained possible contributing factors. PC Philip Broughton, representing Nottinghamshire Police, mentioned that Mrs Valentine may have experienced an episode referred to as “sudden acceleration syndrome.” In such instances, drivers may intend to depress the brake pedal but inadvertently apply pressure to the accelerator instead, commonly resulting in panic-induced confusion.
Emergency services attended the scene promptly following a call made by a concerned bystander, yet efforts to assist Mr Chivers proved unsuccessful; he was pronounced dead at the scene just after 10:50am. The sudden and distressing nature of the accident has left a lasting impression on the local area, sparking conversations about vehicle safety and the profound emotional repercussions that can accompany tragic accidents of this kind.
Community members have since expressed their condolences to Mrs Valentine, recognising the long-term emotional trauma that such an unforeseeable event inflicts on loved ones. Although no criminal charges have been brought, experts have noted the importance of increased awareness around driver safety and car manoeuvres, particularly among older adults.
The coroner’s comments remind us all of the fragility of life and the unpredictability that everyday situations can sometimes harbour. As the community in Worksop comes together to mourn the loss, the case stands as a poignant reminder of the vital importance of support for those affected by sudden tragedy, and the enduring need for compassion and understanding in the aftermath of loss.
Further guidance and support are being offered to Mrs Valentine as she attempts to come to terms with the traumatic event. The local authorities have also urged motorists to exercise caution in car parks and other shared spaces, hoping that preventative awareness can help reduce the risk of similar incidents in future.