Investigation and inquest
On the 30th January 2014 I commenced an investigation into the death of Fred Hudson, aged 87 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 22nd April 2015. The conclusion of the inquest was Accidental Death and the medical cause of death was:
(1a) Multiple injuries
Circumstances of the death
During the early hours of the 28th January 2014 Mr Fred Hudson was walking along a path to a disused railway bridge, bridge number AB08, which is of a height from the ground of approximately 25 metres and is located at Barwick Road in Leeds. Mr Hudson fell from the said bridge, thereby sustaining multiple injuries. His death was certified at the scene at 4.44am the same day.
Coroner’s concerns
Railway bridge number AB08 has been disused for many years. It is accessible by a number of routes. No steps have been taken to prevent access to the said bridge. It is located next to a main road and is visited frequently by members of the public including children.