Lake body is speed ace Campbell, inquest told

Human remains found in Coniston Water in Britain are those of speedboat ace Donald Campbell, an inquest heard today.

Human remains found in Coniston Water in Britain are those of speedboat ace Donald Campbell, an inquest heard today.

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The Donald Campbell’s widow, Tonia Campbell (2L), surveys his shattered speedboat which was recovered from Coniston Water in March.

The inquest in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, was told that DNA evidence proved the remains were 1.9 million times more likely to be Campbell's than anyone else.

Divers found Campbell's body in May - 34 years after his water-speed record attempt at the lake killed him.

Officer Mr Carl Langhorn of Cumbria police told the hearing DNA samples were taken from Campbell's daughter Gina Campbell (51), who attended the inquest, and his sister, Jean Wales.

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He said DNA expert Dr Tim Clayton did tests on the remains found in Coniston and samples taken from Ms Campbell and Mrs Wales. Mr Langhorn said: "Dr Clayton holds a strong view that the remains are from a person related to Gina and Jean".

Mr Langhorn told the inquest that other items were recovered from the lake including a black leather belt and blue and green overalls with Union Jacks on the pocket.

Campbell's boat, Bluebird, was dragged from its watery grave two months ago.

The 46-year-old had been trying to break his water-speed record of 276mph on January 4th, 1967, when the nose of the boat lifted and the craft somersaulted repeatedly, killing him instantly.

PA