A 16-YEAR-OLD boy died in a tragic accident after losing control of his moped on a country road, an inquest has found.

Conor Ross, of Lutton, died in hospital the day after coming off his bike and sliding under the wheels of an oncoming Toyota Land Cruiser.

An inquest was told yesterday his moped may have skidded on wet leaves at a corner when he was riding to Plympton on October 31 last year.

His devastated mother Melanie Ross, attending the hearing, said her "wonderful" son had been "so full of life and had so much to live for".

Plymouth Assistant Deputy Coroner Deborah Archer ruled that his death was accidental.

She said neither he or the 4x4 driver, a 37-year-old Plympton woman, appeared to have been driving fast, dangerously or without due care and attention.

She added: "Sadly, I find that Conor Ross, a young inexperienced driver, momentarily lost control and this momentary loss of control sadly caused the collision that lead to his death."

She added that it was a "tragic fact" that when Conor came off the bike for an unknown reason, he went on to collide with the vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.

Melanie, 48, told the inquest in a statement that Conor had been a 'homebird' who loved football, particularly Manchester United and Plymouth Argyle.

A student at Lipson Community College, he was interested in becoming a mechanic and was taking a painting and decorating course.

Mrs Ross said the moped was bought for him, a 49cc Sym Jet, so he could be more independent and visit his girlfriend in Plympton.

He had held a provisional licence for four months.

She added that she did not regret letting him have the bike as it had made him so happy.

Conor had been on his way to visit his girlfriend at about 4.30pm when he came off the bike on the road between Sparkwell and Hemerdon.

The inquest heard a statement from the 4x4 driver, who said she had been slowing around a bend at West Park Hill when she saw a moped approaching. She said the bike's front end seemed to dip and the rider fell off about 20ft in front of her before sliding under her vehicle. The bike ended up by the hedge.

Conor primarily died of catastrophic brain damage, and multiple other injuries in Derriford Hospital on November 1.

Toxicology reports showed neither rider or driver had been under the influence of drink or drugs at the time. Police collision investigators concluded that the crash was probably caused by momentary human error, perhaps down to Conor's inexperience on wet roads scattered with leaves.

He leaves his mother Melanie and ten-year-old brother William.