Elsie Murphy

I am Dr Nicholas Shaw, HM Assistant Coroner for Cumbria

On 30 September 2022 I commenced an investigation into the death of Elsie Mary MURPHY, aged 86. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest . The conclusion of the inquest was Death due to an accident 1a Acute on-chronic sub-dural haemorrhage 1b 1c Fall II Anticoagulated for atrial fibrillation

On 27th September 2022 Elsie was walking along the footpath from that leads from Windermere Road to Ewanrigg Road in Maryport to reach a bus stop. immediately below the steps leading up to Ewanrigg road the path turns 90 degrees right, Elsie slipped in a puddle that had formed here and fell, sustaining her fatal injury. She died in Cumberland Infirmary the following day.

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows. [BRIEF SUMMARY OF MATTERS OF CONCERN] (1) Evidence was heard that a puddle always forms at this location in wet weather and that people have slipped here in the past. Pictures taken on the evening Elsie fell were accepted in evidence and are attached. It seems that a drain or soak away from under Ewanrigg Road discharges down the grassy bank to the left of the steps looking up them and pools on the path. There is a drain on the right hand side of the path a few feet from the base of the steps but water does not seem to reach it. I am concerned that if this issue is not addressed by some remedial work further accidents will occur

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe your council have the power to take such action.