A RETIRED nurse who died in a car crash was caught out by ice on the road.

Susan Harper, 65, died on December 2 after the crash at the entrance to Alresford on a bend close to the junction with Wivenhoe Road.

An inquest into her death heard several statements saying the B1027 Colchester Road was icy, particularly on the Thorrington to Wivenhoe stretch, where excess flood water had covered part of the Colchester-bound carriageway.

The accident, which saw Mrs Harper spin 90 degrees and collide with a tree on the side of the road, happened at 4.35pm.

Assistant coroner Yvonne Blake recorded an accidental verdict saying death was caused by multiple injuries consistent with a car crash.

Speaking after her death St Andrew’s rector, the Rev Pauline Scott, described preacher and choir singer Mrs Harper as positive, friendly and cheerful.

She was also a member of the chaplincy team at Clacton hospital.