TRIBUTES have poured in for a top French fashion designer who was knocked off her bike and killed, an inquest heard.
Laure Severac was on a cycling holiday in Wales when tragedy struck on August 17, 2023.
The 37-year-old was a guest professor at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, in Antwerp, and highly respected in her field.
An inquest at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court heard the textiles expert had been riding her bike near the Brecon Beacons.
A car travelling in the same direction struck her from behind.
Laure was rushed to University Hospital, in Cardiff, with severe head injuries.
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The 37-year-old sadly died as a result of her injuries two days later.
The inquest heard there had been “clear sunlight” at the time of the crash.
However, shade from trees lining the sides of the road obstructed the driver’s view.
Coroner Patricia Morgan said Laure was travelling along the A4221 Abercrave to Coelbren, Powys when she was “struck by a vehicle travelling in the same direction”.
“The road conditions were clear and there was strong sunlight and trees adjacent to the road, the combination of which likely obscured the driver’s view of the cycle being ridden by Ms Severac,” she said.
“Ms Severac suffered catastrophic head injuries as a result of the collision.
“She was admitted to University Hospital of Wales where she sadly passed away on 19 August 2023.”
The coroner ruled Laure’s cause of death was road traffic collision.
In a heartfelt tribute to Laure, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Laure Severac, teacher at the fashion department and researcher at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp.
“Laure died on 19 August following a traffic accident while on her cycling holiday in Wales.
“Laure was especially beloved and valued by her colleagues as well as by her students.
“We will greatly miss her energy and expertise, and we will build upon her legacy. Our thoughts are with Laure’s family and friends.”
