Retired couple died on motorbike holiday in Spain after they were hit by a car and lorry after losing control in heavy rain, inquest hears

Published: 15:14, 2 July 2026 | Updated: 15:24, 2 July 2026 A retired couple were killed in a ‘freak accident’ on a motorbike tour in Spain when they lost control in heavy rain before being hit by vehicles that were unable to stop in time, an inquest has heard. Kieron and Sharron Haines were on the A8 motorway near the northern resort town of Llanes when their bike slid in the downpour. As they lay injured, they were struck by a lorry and car which killed them instantly. A coroner in Norwich has now concluded the couple died in a road traffic collision following the tragedy on September 11, 2023, after hearing the road was in good condition and the experienced bikers were wearing safety equipment. Speaking after the deaths, Shelagh Gurney, the Norfolk county councillor who represented Hellesdon, where the couple lived, said in a message to her local allotment holders' association: 'It is with great sadness and upset that I have to advise you that my dear friend and bee colleague Kieron Haines and his dearest wife and old schoolfriend of mine Sharron have both lost their lives in a freak motorcycle accident whilst touring with the motorcycle club they belong to in northern Spain.' Retired fabricator Mr Haines, 68, and his 65-year-old wife, a former secretary, had recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary when they went on the organised trip. Kieron Haines, 68, and his wife Sharron, 65, died after coming off their bike on a motorway in Spain during heavy rain The couple, who had two children and were known as ‘The Two Rons’, met other members of the tour on a ferry in Santander before everyone set off together. The tour leader told everyone to ride up to the speed limit of 120kph (75mph) to stay together, the inquest was told. But the torrential rain and heavy traffic meant the bikes became separated. The accident happened at about 5.30pm after the Haines had travelled about 60 miles. The motorway was closed temporarily by Civil Guard officers, while a crew from a nearby fire station and a mobile intensive care unit also attended the scene. Other bikers from the tour were left ‘shocked’ and ‘horrified’ by the deaths of the ‘friendly’ and ‘likeable’ couple, which they learned about after pulling into a service area. Investigations by the Spanish authorities revealed the driver of the car that hit the Haines had 6.3mg per ml of blood of THC – the active substance in cannabis. The legal limit for drivers in England and Wales is 2mg. Spain doesn’t have a lower limit, instead imposing sanctions for any level. The tragedy happened on the A-8 motorway near to the resort town of Llanes, an hour's drive east of the northern Spanish city of Oviedo Friends of the Haines spoke of their sadness in tributes The lorry driver had no drugs or alcohol in his system. The road was described as being a level dual carriageway on a gentle curve that was in good condition. Mr and Mrs Haines were also familiar with biking, having travelled extensively across Europe and the UK and were wearing suitable equipment. Mr Haines’ cause of death was given as multiple cranial fractures, loss of encephalic mass and severe head trauma due to a traffic accident. His wife died from multiple cranial fractures, loss of encephalic mass and severe head trauma due to a traffic accident. Concluding the hearing, area coroner Yvonne Blake expressed her condolences to the couple’s family and friends. The Haines’ son, Ben, wrote in an anniversary tribute on Facebook before their deaths: 'Happy anniversary to a beautiful mother and an awesome father. 'You both consistently inspire me to be the best person I can be. Hope you have a great day.' The couple were part of an organised motorbike tour that had met on a ferry at Santander before setting off  The couple were experienced bikers, having travelled extensively in the UK and Europe Friend Teresa Beach commented: 'Happy anniversary to two of the nicest people I know.' The BMW Club East Anglia, which the couple belonged to, said: ‘It is with a sad and heavy heart that we have to announce the deaths of Kieron & Sharron Haines ("the two Rons") in a road traffic accident in Spain. ‘Kieron and Sharron were a well-known and popular couple in The BMW Club, and beyond, and this sad news will come as a shock to many in our biking community.’ No comments have so far been submitted. 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