Ruslans Burkevics · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 10 January 2025 I commenced an Investigation into the death of Ruslans BURKEVICS aged 33. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 06 March 2026. The conclusion of the inquest was a narrative that:

Ruslans Burkevics died as a consequence of multiple injuries sustained in a fall from height, the exact circumstances of which were not directly witnessed and cannot be ascertained on the available evidence.

The medical cause of death was Multiple injuries.

Ruslans Burkevics died on 7th January 2025 at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary Wigan, after being found outside his home address Flat 75 Boyswel House, Wigan with multiple injuries having likely experienced an unwitnessed fall from an open 12th floor bedroom window. He had a history of self-harm and drug induced psychosis, but there was insufficient evidence to determine the precise circumstances of the fall from height.

He had contact with officers from Greater Manchester Police the evening before he was discovered on the ground outside an open window of his flat. He had been escorted home by officers with his agreement after being reported to have been running into traffic in the locality. He was taken to his flat at around 22:55 on the 6th January 2025.

1 - During the course of evidence it was heard that the deceased had contact with officers from Greater Manchester Police on the night before he was found having apparently suffered a fall from height outside his home address. There was no causative or contributory link established on the evidence and officers actions the previous evening were appropriate.

2 - The deceased had a history of mental health difficulties and use of substances which contributed to episodes of mental health crisis. Police had on other occasions utilised powers under the Mental Health Act to bring him to a safe place where his mental health needs could be assessed.
3 - It was reflected in evidence that whilst front line officers must receive regular refresher training on first aid, no such provision for mental health first aid training is currently being provided, on a regular and refreshing basis. There was evidence that no direct training on mental health is provided apart from initial training. Mental Health may be a topic within other qualifications and development courses as a peripheral issue of that subject, but no dedicated mental health first aid type refresher is provided at present.