Man Dies After Fall While Decorating for Football Match
A 61-year-old man tragically lost his life due to head injuries sustained after falling from a ladder while attempting to hang a Union flag on a lamppost. This incident occurred the evening after he had attended a football match in Bristol.
Incident Details
The inquest, held at Avon Coroner’s Court, revealed that Paul John Lumber, a married painter and decorator, had been drinking alcohol during the match on 22 November. Upon returning home around 7:30 PM, he decided to use his ladder to display flags in his local neighbourhood on Duckmoor Road.
Neighbours alerted emergency services after hearing a loud noise, discovering Mr Lumber on the ground next to his ladder. Despite being rushed to Southmead Hospital and undergoing surgery, his condition worsened, and he sadly passed away on 6 December.
Coroner’s Findings
Dr Simon Fox KC, the assistant coroner for Avon, concluded the cause of death as accidental following a short hearing. He stated that Mr Lumber had fallen while trying to secure a flag on a lamppost after consuming alcohol during the day.
Dr Richard Moon, a neurosurgeon at Southmead Hospital, indicated that Mr Lumber had sustained significant head injuries, including a skull fracture, necessitating two operations, which ultimately did not save his life. The official cause of death was recorded as a traumatic brain injury resulting from the fall.
Witness Accounts
According to a coroner’s officer, Andrew Eastwood, Mr Lumber’s wife, Michelle, recalled that her husband had enjoyed a football match that day and drank a number of alcoholic beverages before retrieving his work ladder from his van to display flags in their community.
Upon hearing emergency sirens, she ventured outside to find paramedics treating her husband, with the ladder and a Union flag present in the vicinity.
Community Reaction
The unexpected death of Mr Lumber has touched the community, eliciting sympathy and support. A close friend described him as someone whose life revolved around his loved ones. In response to this tragedy, a GoFundMe page established by a friend has successfully raised over £5,700 to assist the family.
Background
This unfortunate incident highlights the potential dangers associated with seemingly simple activities, especially when compounded by the influence of alcohol. It also serves as a reminder of the bond and passion that football can foster within local communities, as seen in Mr Lumber’s dedication to celebrating his favourite team, Bristol City. His passing has left a significant void in the lives of those who knew him.
Source: Original Article
