Investigation and inquest
On 22 October 2015 I opened an inquest into the death of Charles Alan Newby who, at the date of his death, was aged 60. The inquest was resumed and concluded on 26 February 2016.
I found that the cause of death to be: -
Ia. Drowning
II Alcohol consumption
The conclusion of the inquest was Accident
Circumstances of the death
On 18 October 2015 Charles Alan Newby inadvertently fell from the rear of a boat on the Calder River/Canal in Dewsbury whilst he was he was intoxicated with alcohol and not wearing a life jacket. Although several attempts were made to retrieve him from the water, he succumbed and drowned.
Coroner’s concerns
I would ask the trust to carefully re-assess the appropriateness of the installation of life rings at the Lock 19 location.