Canadian motoring enthusiast Ron Carey, 80-year-old, lost his life during the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, around 10h00 on Sunday, 03 November 2019.

The more than 400 vehicles dating from before 1905, which participated in the event, were taken along a 54-mile (86.880-kilometer) route from Hyde Park in London down to Madeira Drive in Brighton, via the A23 road. While driving his 1903 Knox Runabout "Old Porcupine" which race number was #397, Ron Carey took a wrong turn off the official route and ended up on the M23 motorway, which runs adjacent to the A23. Carey's car was immediately struck by a lorry, near junction 7 of the southbound carriageway, nearly the small village of Hooley. The driver and his wife Billi, in the passenger seat, were thrown in the air and the car was totally destroyed.

Ron Carey was pronounced dead at the scene, shortly after the collision; his wife was flown to St. George's Hospital in Tooting, London, suffering from serious injuries.

The organisers of the event were criticised for poor signage and a lack of stewards on the route. The tragedy followed the death of another 68-year-old driver, David Corry of Scotland, who was killed during the 2017 edition of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

A well-respected retired oil executive from Calgary, Canada, Ron Carey lived in Paradise Valley, Arizona. He was the owner of a large classic car collection, and was taking part in the annual vintage car event, which he had joined at least three times before.

R.I.P