A chef who helped to feed heroic rescuers during the 9/11 attacks in New York died in a crash on an icy road.
An inquest has heard that Michael Baldwin, 41, originally from Great Harwood died when his station wagon crashed into a tree, a fence and a sign on Route 7 under Mountain Road in Falls Village, Connecticut.
Blackburn Coroners’ Court heard that Mr Baldwin was not wearing a seatbelt and was found to be three times over the drink drive limit when his body was discovered.
In a statement, Sgt Michael Pendleton said the victim was found by a plough truck operator in the early hours of January 26.
He said the collision took place on a ‘sweeping right hand curve’ where the speed limit was 45mph and Mr Baldwin – a learner driver - was thought to have been speeding at the time.
Sgt Pendleton said the weather was clear aside from a light covering of snow and ice on the road. He said Mr Baldwin’s blood alcohol level had “impaired his ability to drive which was the primary contributing factor” and he had “failed to negotiate the vehicle around the curve due to an elevated speed”.
The inquest heard that Mr Baldwin was living with a friend in Falls Village and had been working as a chef at a local school.
Coroner Michael Singleton concluded that Mr Baldwin had died as a result of his injuries following a road traffic collision.
He told the family: “It seems that because the death occurred so many miles away it makes it worse, so you have my heartfelt condolences.” An inquest into his death was held in the UK as his body had been returned to Britain.
Mr Baldwin moved to the USA more than 16 years ago. He worked in a chip shop and produced free food for rescuers after the Twin Towers were hit by planes in the 2001 terrorist attack. He also helped to raise $5,000 in memory of a police officer and regular customer who was killed in the attacks. During his time in America, the former Great Harwood scout leader worked as a DJ at the Orchard Club and for the First Touch magazine writing reviews and interviewing music acts.
