A CRICKETING stalwart was killed after being struck by an SUV on an American highway while on holiday in Florida, an inquest heard.

Lancashire League umpire Terence Doherty, 76 of Hargreaves Drive, Rawtenstall, died on November 27 last year at the Ryder Trauma Centre in Miami.

MORE TOP STORIES:

An inquest in Burnley Magistrates Court heard Mr Doherty, a former Haslingden Cricket Club member, was crossing the US1 Highway in Key Largo, Florida when he was struck by a vehicle on November 8.

A pathologist’s report, sent over from the USA said he died as a result of complications arising from severe blunt force trauma after spending almost three weeks in hospital.

Coroner Richard Taylor read from a report from Corporal Christine Gracey of the Florida Highway Patrol.

She said that the area at which Mr Hargreaves crossed was unlit and that he was wearing dark clothing.

She said that vehicles had the right of way at that point and there was no ‘cross walk’ at the point he entered the road, making it the pedestrian’s responsibility for crossing.

Mr Taylor concluded that he had died as a result of a road traffic accident.

Speaking at the time of his death, Mike Bibby, the Lancashire League chairman, who also stands as an umpire, paid tribute.

He said: “Terry was a true gentleman. It is very sad to hear about his death.

“He was a good umpire and always had a smile on his face. I only knew him for six or seven years but I know that people thought a lot of him."

Mr Doherty was said to be crossing from the bay side to the ocean side of the highway at mile marker 101.

He walked from the central reservation into the northbound travel lane into the path of a 2005 Dodge Durango.

Witnesses said that that particular area of the highway is not lit and Mr Doherty was wearing dark-coloured trousers.

He was on holiday in the area with his wife and two daughters.