Parents who died in holiday crash 'sorely missed'

A "sorely missed" couple died instantly when they lost control of their car on a motorway in France, an inquest heard.

Gordon Mills, 67, and Helen Mills, 65, from Spalding in Lincolnshire, died on the A79 motorway in Diou on 16 September 2024 when they were heading to their holiday home in Mount Blanc.

Mr Mills was driving their classic Ronart W152 open-top car at about 14:00 local time when he collided with a barrier, resulting in fatal injuries to himself and his wife, who was a passenger.

An inquest held at Myle Cross Centre in Lincoln earlier heard the reasons for losing control of the car "could not be established".

The right-hand drive car hit a concrete parapet on the hard shoulder, left the ground for a moment and then hit the parapet again before skidding across the carriageway and hitting the central barrier, where it became wedged.

Area coroner Jayne Wilkes told the court that they both died "instantaneously" as a consequence of the injuries they had sustained in the crash.

Mr Mills was driving within the speed limit at the time and there had been no issues in the toxicology report, the court heard.

A witness said they had seen the couple stop at a service station shortly before the incident but "didn't notice anything unusual".

Mr and Mrs Mills leave behind four children and three grandchildren.

Mr Mills' children, Sophia and Patrick Mills, said: "We are devastated by the tragic loss of our dad and stepmum.

"Dad was a wonderful and loving father and grandfather and will be greatly missed."

Sophia said her dad was born in Long Sutton and enjoyed activities such as squash, windsurfing and sailing, as well as being a keen traveller.

"Cars were a huge aspect of Gordon's life and he thoroughly enjoyed driving them," she added.

Mr Mills founded Lincs Home Condition Reports in 2005, a company providing surveys for people buying property.

The company said both Mr and Mrs Mills were "both close personal friends for many years and sorely missed".

Sophia told the court her dad was a "kind and caring man with a strong sense of duty".

"If anyone approached him with a problem he would do his best to help," she added.

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