A motorcyclist was killed when his Harley Davidson collided with a car while attempting to overtake another vehicle, an inquest has heard.

Vitor Jose Dos Santos Figueira, who lived in Wallingford, died on Saturday, September 27 last year. The incident occurred on Wallingford Road between Wallingford and Cholsey.

The 51-year-old, originally from Lisbon and employed in the goods department, was critically injured at around 1pm and tragically succumbed to his injuries at 5pm that same day.

Police initial reports indicated the man was riding a black Harley Davidson motorcycle when he collided with a black Audi A4 while attempting to pass it.

The inquest took place at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court on Monday, April 27.

Court proceedings heard that the medical cause of death was recorded as massive head trauma, and he was declared deceased at the location of the incident.

Evidence presented showed he lost control of his motorcycle and struck a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction.

The inquest documentation recorded that Vitor Figueira died on September 27, 2025 at Wallingford Road, Cholsey while riding a motorcycle. According to this documentation, he was involved in a road traffic collision during an overtaking manoeuvre, lost control and was subsequently struck by an oncoming vehicle. He sustained catastrophic head injuries and sadly died at the scene.

The coroner concluded that Mr Dos Santos Figueira’s death resulted from a road traffic collision.

Following last year’s incident, residents expressed their sympathies.

Robin Jones, who represents Berinsfield and Garsington Division as an Oxfordshire county councillor, described the occurrence as deeply tragic. He indicated that it was a profoundly sad event for any community and served as a reminder of how vital road regulations are in protecting everyone’s safety. He emphasised that all drivers should consider the wider good when navigating narrow roads and put aside personal convenience or urgency.

Gavin McLaughlin, Oxfordshire county councillor for Benson and Crowmarsh, shared his thoughts. He expressed that such news was never pleasant to hear and extended his deepest sympathies to the victim’s family and friends. He noted that the number of road accidents remained unacceptably high, which was why efforts were underway to lower speed limits in the hope of reducing fatal and serious collisions.

Members of the community also responded to the news.

Lee Cannon wrote that his thoughts were with the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time, offering his condolences to his fellow Harley rider.

Lorraine Dwyer expressed her sympathy to the victim’s loved ones.

Inquests are held to establish the identity of a deceased person and the circumstances surrounding their death.