Stamford man dies after fall down the stairs

An 81-year-old man died after falling down the stairs at his home, an inquest heard.

Colin Pickering, who lived in Stamford, died on May 25 this year at Peterborough City Hospital after injuring himself in a fall.

The inquest on August 21 which was held at Lincolnshire Coroner’s Court, heard that Mr Pickering suffered from a number of health issues.

In the last 15 years he suffered from two unconscious episodes, heart disease and chronic kidney disease. He also collapsed on May 1 due to hypertension.

On May 19, Mr Pickering was going up the stairs at his home which he shared with his son Richard.

The terraced house has steep and narrow stairs but Mr Pickering had no previous issues with them and there were no obvious trip hazards.

At about 8.30pm, Mr Pickering put the light on before going up but was heard to fall very shortly afterwards. He was thought to be halfway up before falling.

The 81-year-old was attended by his son and neighbour, who also heard the fall, before being taken to Peterborough City Hospital. Mr Pickering “was not a candidate for active treatment” and instead was given palliative care before passing away ‘peacefully’ on May 25.

The fall was the result of either a mechanical slip, trip or fall, or due to a medical event.

The coroner ruled that the death was an accident.