The son of a "proficient and experienced” cyclist, who died following a crash on a bike trip to Norfolk, paid tribute to his father at an inquest into his death.
Michael John O'Rorke, of Wapping, London, was involved in an accident between Fakenham and Dereham after his bicycle collided with a van.
The incident happened at the junction of Foulsham Road and the A1067 Fakenham Road, near Bintree, on Friday, September 9, 2022 at around 12.30pm.
Mr O’Rorke was taken by air ambulance to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, but died from a “significant and irreversible” brain injury on Thursday, September 29. He was 71.
At Norfolk Coroner’s Court, the room heard how Mr O’Rorke had been on a short cycling trip with friends to the county.
Several of his relatives were in court on Wednesday, March 29, and listened to a statement from his son, Michael.
It read: “Dad was a very experienced cyclist with over 50 years of experience.
“My two other brothers and I were very close to our dad and regularly spent time with him.
“He was a strong and supportive father and role model to the three of us and his three granddaughters.”
In a further tribute released through Norfolk Police, Mr O'Rorke's family said: "We will remember him as a kind, loving and thoughtful man who was dedicated to his family and would always put others before himself.
"He was a great friend to so many and touched the lives of many more, a true gentleman will be forever missed by all who knew him.
"We would also like to thank the emergency services, in particular the first responders, East Anglian Air Ambulance and staff at Addenbrooke’s Hospital for their care of our father."
Mr O’Rorke, affectionately known as “Mick”, was born on January 10, 1951, in Dublin, Ireland. At 16, he moved to England and worked at Royal Mail for 30 years, before retiring as a local government officer.
Assistant coroner Samantha Goward led the inquest.
She said: “It is not possible for me to say what caused Mr O'Rorke to pull out … but it would have been very unusual for him to do so.
“The driver took appropriate emergency action to try and avoid the collision but unfortunately was unable to do so and collided with Mr O’Rorke.”
She recorded a conclusion of death from a road traffic collision.
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