A motorist was killed in a head-on crash on the A47 after the driver of an oncoming car suffered a coughing fit and veered out of his lane, an inquest has heard.
Jeffrey Holmes, 68, was on his way to his grandson’s birthday party when he died in the accident at Hockering.
The inquest into his death heard a silver BMW 4 series driving in the opposite direction crossed into his lane and hit Mr Holmes' silver Skoda Yeti head-on.
The retired college lecturer was pronounced dead at the scene.
Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard that members of the public who stopped at the crash said the BMW driver, Paul Whitford, appeared "dazed and confused".
The court heard that he told witnesses he had a "coughing fit" and passed out at the time of the incident.
Mr Whitford, who was travelling back from the walk-in centre where he had sought treatment for a chest infection, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
However, Norfolk Constabulary say he was de-arrested shortly afterwards following enquiries.
Six days later he attended a voluntary interview at Wymondham police station and no charges were bought against him.
The inquest did not hear about any other factors which might have caused the crash.
The accident happened on December 28, 2024, while Mr Holmes, from Gressenhall, was heading to the Gravity trampoline park for the family celebration.
His daughter, Katharine Malcolm, was a front seat passenger in his car and was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) with serious injuries after the collision.
In a statement read out in court on her behalf, she said she believed her father's swerve to try and avoid the other vehicle "saved my life".
The stretch of the A47 affected by the crash was closed to traffic for five hours while emergency services attended and crash investigations were carried out.
Mr Holmes' medical cause of death was listed as multiple injuries due to road traffic collision.
The court heard he was born on March 31, 1956 in Uganda, and that he was a retired lecturer, who had taught performing arts at the College of West Anglia in King's Lynn.
Assistant coroner Maeve Sykes came to a shortform conclusion that Mr Holmes died as a result of a road traffic collision.
Ms Sykes expressed condolences to his family and friends.
'Good night, old bean'
Tributes were paid to Mr Holmes following his death, praising him for his "sharp wit" and "warm personality".
His family said: "Jeff spent many years working in further education in west Norfolk and beyond, and he will no doubt be fondly remembered by all who encountered him, thanks to his cool demeanour, friendly disposition, and confident professionalism.
"Despite many years in education, his great passion was building houses around himself and those he loved.
"He might have been awful at guessing how long a job would take, he would often fuss over tiny details that nobody else would ever notice, and he was a perfectionist almost to a fault - but he loved learning new skills and trying out things for himself, and he made beautiful homes, no matter how long it took.
"At the end of the day, Jeff touched countless lives and helped so many people. He was kind, caring, and the most dignified man we have ever met.
"Good night, old bean. We will miss you every day of forever."
A spokesman for the College of West Anglia added: "Jeff joined the department of creative arts at CWA in 1990 and dedicated himself to the management and delivery of a wide range courses for more than 20 years.
"During his time at the college, he worked as a lecturer, deputy head of faculty and programme manager, making a significant contribution to the lives and educational development of many students, particularly in the field of performing arts.
"Jeff is fondly remembered for sharp wit, warm personality and passion for performing arts.
"Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to Jeff’s family at this very difficult time".
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