Investigation and inquest
On the 10 May 2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of Joseph Drew Whiteside aged 20. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on the 11 December 2013. The conclusion of the inquest was accidental death.
Circumstances of the death
Joseph Whiteside's body was found in the River Trent in Burton on 10th May 2013. It is likely that late on the 2nd May 2013 in an intoxicated state he had fallen into the river, had been unable to extricate himself and had drowned.
Coroner’s concerns
Since I have been a Coroner in this jurisdiction I have held Inquests into the deaths of a number of young men who in an intoxicated state have fallen into the River Trent at Burton and drowned. I fully understand that at Burton the river does split and there are numerous access points to the water. I am told that in one or two places there are live buoys and I now wonder that if in the main access points there should be further safety measures such as fencing and/or warning signs. I should be grateful if you could carry out a review to see if any further such action should be taken.