A FORMER St Davids hotelier died after his car was caught up in a 'concertina' crash during a driving holiday across America, an inquest heard last week.

Fifty-six-year-old Paul Lynas, who used to run the Old Cross Hotel, was travelling on highway 58 from Chicago to California in a hired car with his son, Sam, on July 13th.

Smoke from a large bush fire drifted across the road, making visibility very difficult. Mr Lynas was forced to slow down and he braked when he saw the brake lights of a lorry in front.

But the inquest was told that he was unable to prevent a minor collision with the rear of the vehicle, although neither he nor Sam were injured.

In a statement, Sam said: "Almost immediately, within a second of hitting the lorry in front, there was a tremendous impact as we were hit from behind."

Mr Lynas died instantly as the hired car was crushed between two articulated lorries. Sam Lynas received serious injuries to his left hand, which later had to be amputated.

Pembrokeshire coroner Mr Michael Howells described the 'concertina' collision as a 'tragic accident'.

He added: "Considerable sympathy must be given to Mr Lynas' family and in particular to his son Sam, who was seriously injured."

He recorded a verdict of accidental death.