John Thomas GRAY · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 20 July 2022 I commenced an investigation into the death of:

John Thomas GRAY

The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 10 January 2024. The conclusion of the inquest was:

Accidental Death

The medical cause of death was confirmed as:

1a Pneumonia
1b Fractured Ribs, Splenic and Renal Haematoma
1c Trauma
II Frailty, Asthma, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, Stroke

John Gray died at Ipswich Hospital, Heath Road, Ipswich in Suffolk, on the 13th July 2022.

John had been admitted to the Ipswich Hospital on the 9th July 2022, after his mobility scooter drove off the promenade at Felixstowe beach, after John had fallen asleep.

At the location this occurred, there was no barrier in place to prevent a fall, and the drop was one of several feet.

In his fall, John suffered multiple rib fractures leading to respiratory failure.

John’s condition continued to deteriorate following his admission, and he passed away at 04:30, on the 13th July 2022.

Evidence was heard that the height of drop from the edge of the promenade to the sand at the location John fell, whilst on his mobility scooter, was approximately 5 feet.

The court was told that, at a number of locations, the height from the edge of the promenade to the sand was prone to change, and a system was in place to monitor this. It was however, acknowledged, that unusual high tide conditions, and/or weather activity could significantly change the drop height in a short period of time.

Evidence heard that at high-risk locations, such as areas with persistent long drops, drops onto concrete, or drops onto rock sea defences, permanent barriers were installed.

In other areas signage and/or painted markings were used to highlight the risks of a potential fall.

It was acknowledged that individuals on mobility scooters were known to regularly access and use the promenade. Due to the demographics of the local area it was acknowledged that the use of mobility scooters on the promenade may increase in the future.

Evidence was also heard from a mobility scooter supplier and engineer, who explained that falling asleep on a mobility scooter was not uncommon, and happened more frequently than the general public might think. The supplier explained that this often led to accidents, leading to damage to the mobility scooters, which required repair.

I am therefore concerned that falls from the promenade onto the beach, in areas where there is no barrier, would occur again in similar circumstances, as the current signage and markings provide no warning to an individual asleep on their mobility scooter.

If this were to occur (as in this case) in an area where the height of drop from the edge of the promenade to the sand was greater than normally expected, I am concerned this would lead to future loss of life.