Paul John Welch · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 7/6/22, I concluded an inquest into the death of Paul John Welch aged 53 who died on 2/1/21.
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The medical cause of death was recorded as:
1a) Massive head injury

I recorded a Conclusion of an Accidental Death.

While walking with his daughter along the foreshore at Sailors Creek, near Flushing in Cornwall on 2/1/21, Mr Welch was struck by an overhanging tree that fell out of an embankment. He suffered a serious head injury and died at the scene.

The landowner had previously commissioned tree surveys to assess the risk caused by trees within striking distance of highways and footpaths in the area. Through oversight, the trees aligning Sailors Creek had been omitted from the surveys.

Subsequent to the incident, the omitted trees were surveyed by ████████ at the request of Sailors Creek CIC. A number of recommendations were made to trim and thin various trees.

The trees are subject to a Tree Preservation Order. An application has been made to Cornwall Council for authority to carry out the recommended works. The inquest was advised that Mylor Parish Council has objected to the works being done and no action has been taken.

The inquest heard that two individuals, ████████ and ████████, remain in Sailors Creek without lawful permission to do so. From time to time, those individuals access the foreshore where the incident involving Mr Welch occurred. Other members of the public are able so to gain access to the foreshore. Unless and until the recommended works have been carried out, there is an obvious risk to the safety of these individuals and members of the public.

As set out above, the remedial works that it has been advised be carried out to the trees aligning Sailors Creek have not been undertaken notwithstanding the obvious risks to individuals present there, as evidenced by the tragic death of Mr Welch.