Darrell Spear · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 23rd September 2020 I commenced an investigation into the death of Darrell Spear. The investigation concluded on the 25th May 2021 and the conclusion was one of accidental death. The medical cause of death was 1a Inhalation of products of combustion and thermal injury 1b 1c II left ventricular hypertrophy and hypertension

On 22nd September 2020 there was a fire at ████████Windermere Road where Darrell Leonard Spear lived. He died from the fire. Police and fire service investigations found that the fire had probably started accidentally and accelerated rapidly due to the extensive hoarding within the address and the outside door of the conservatory was open increasing the flow of oxygen to the fire.

1. The inquest heard that Mr Spear and his wife were known to agencies and that it was recognised that self-neglect and hoarding were significant issues. Their lifestyle meant that there was a significant risk to them both including from fire. Although these issues had been identified in the months preceding Mr Spear’s death it was only on 22nd September that steps were taken to arrange to clear the property later that week.

2. The evidence before the inquest suggested that communication between agencies was poor in relation to information sharing and that there was no clear strategy to address the risk presented to both Mr Spear and his wife.