THE TRAGIC death of a father of two could have been prevented if he had worn his motorcycle crash helmet properly, an inquest heard. Rolandas Mazonas, of Bromhall Road, Dagenham was just 36 when he died and left behind his wife Lina, their 12-year-old dau

THE TRAGIC death of a father of two could have been prevented if he had worn his motorcycle crash helmet properly, an inquest heard.

Rolandas Mazonas, of Bromhall Road, Dagenham was just 36 when he died and left behind his wife Lina, their 12-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son.

He crashed his scooter near Parsloes Park in Gale Street on Sunday July 20 last year at around 7.30pm.

Paramedics rushed Mr Mazonas to Queen's hospital, Romford, but there was nothing doctors could do, he was pronounced dead at 5.13am on July 21.

Witnesses said he was wearing his crash helmet perched on his head and that the straps were not done up underneath his chin.

Ann-Marie Madden saw the horrific crash and was first to race to Mr Mazonas' aid and call an ambulance.

She told the court: "He came speeding around the bend, doing about 40 or 50 mph I would say.

"Then he seemed to lose control and the front wheel of his scooter hit the kerb.

"He came flying off his bike and his helmet flew off his head and landed in the park.

"He hit his head on the park railings. I ran over and he was bleeding, I knew he was badly hurt."

Miss Madden added: "He was not wearing his helmet properly. It was sitting on top of his head."

This was confirmed by PC Chris Thorne of Chadwell Heath collision investigation who said the helmet's straps were tucked inside and looked "as though they had never been used".

The inquest heard that the bike Mr Mazonas was riding had recently been purchased from an acquaintance and was in very poor condition.

It was also discovered that Mr Mazonas had been drink-driving.

A blood test revealed he had 180mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood. The legal limit is 80mg.

Summing up Coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox said that Mr Mazonas died as a result of massive head injuries and a fractured skull.

She recorded a narrative verdict of accidental death and said: "If his helmet had been correctly worn his injuries would have been far less severe and his death may have been prevented.