A 'much adored family man' died when he came off his motorbike after swerving for an unknown reason while travelling along a Suffolk country road, an inquest heard.
Chris Ward, who lived in Church Lane, Eyke, was riding his green Kawasaki on the B1078 between Tunstall and Campsea Ashe in July when his bike swerved initially to the left before apparently moving to the right and hitting the kerb.
Mr Ward was found in an unresponsive state between some metal fencing and a tree by passing motorist Monica Petersen at around 11am on July 1.
He had suffered multiple traumatic injuries.
She had noticed the motorbike on its side in the road with 'clear damage to the front,' which was facing in the direction of Campsea Ashe and called the police.
PC Mark Head, a forensic collision investigator with Suffolk Police, said the reason for the manoeuvre was undetermined, but possibilities included a deer running into the road or changes in light levels, which could have distracted Mr Ward.
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The inquest at Suffolk Coroners Court heard that during their investigations, the police discovered a thin tyre mark on the road, indicative of the rider slamming on the back wheel brake.
PC Head said in this situation, the rider would have struggled to keep the bike travelling in a straight line.
A number of Mr Ward's relatives were present for the inquest on Tuesday, including his father Alan and sister Helen.
His dad described how his son had 'followed in his footsteps' as a motorcyclist and had taken on board all his advice about bike safety, while in his opinion Chris had become a better motorcyclist than he was.
He also revealed the self-employed electrician was proud of his Kawasaki bike, which he had bought while in the RAF in Cornwall and used it regularly.
Nigel Parsley, senior coroner for Suffolk, read out a tribute from Mr Ward's family.
It said: "Chris Ward was a much-adored family man who was happy and thriving. He had his own successful business and was hard working and respected in the community. He loved his family and his life in general."
Mr Parsley concluded that Mr Ward had died in a road traffic collision.
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