A man who plunged from a bridge on to the A1 with his two dogs may have been struck by traffic as he lay on the carriageway – but no witnesses have come forward, an inquest opening heard.
Peter Mitchell, 58, is thought to have jumped from the bridge at Darrington near Pontefract just before 8pm on October 30.
The inquest opening at Wakefield heard emergency services received a number of calls from the public to report a man was on the carriageway.
Mr Mitchell of no fixed abode, suffered multiple fatal injuries and paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
An inquest opening at Wakefield heard it remains unclear if he was struck by passing traffic as police say no witnesses have come forward.
Mr Mitchell’s Jack Russell dog died as a result of its injuries, but a second dog survived and is being cared for by a local vets where it is recovering.
The incident happened on a bridge on the A639 which crosses the A1 southbound carriageway at Barnsdale Bar, Darrington.
Coroner’s officer Jayne Melrose told the inquest opening: “Investigating officers are appealing for witnesses. It is thought he may have jumped from the bridge. What is not clear is whether he has been struck by passing vehicles.”
The inquest was adjourned pending further enquiries. Witnesses are asked to call police on 01924 293047 or via 101.