An inquest has heard that a father discovered dead by his daughter on a school field in Wolverhampton had sustained traumatic injuries. The hearing, held at Black Country Coroner's Court, was told that the man, identified as 42-year-old Mark Allen, was found in the grounds of a school in the Wednesfield area on the morning of 15 March.
According to the inquest, Mr Allen's daughter had gone to look for him after he failed to return home the previous evening. She found his body on the school field and raised the alarm. Paramedics were called but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Post-mortem examination reveals injuries
A post-mortem examination was carried out, which revealed that Mr Allen had suffered traumatic injuries to his head and chest. The pathologist concluded that the cause of death was multiple injuries, consistent with a fall from a height.
Detective Inspector Sally Wright, of West Midlands Police, told the inquest that officers attended the scene and carried out a thorough investigation. She said: "We treated the death as unexplained at the time, and a full investigation was launched to establish the circumstances."
Investigation and conclusion
The investigation included forensic examination of the scene and house-to-house enquiries in the local community. Detective Inspector Wright said that there was no evidence of any third-party involvement, and the death was not being treated as suspicious.
Coroner John Gittings recorded a conclusion of accidental death. He expressed his condolences to Mr Allen's family, who were present at the hearing. He said that Mr Allen had been walking home when he appears to have fallen from a footbridge that crosses the school field.
The inquest heard that Mr Allen had been at a friend's house earlier in the evening and had left to walk home. His daughter became concerned when he did not arrive, prompting her search.
The coroner's conclusion brings some closure to the family, who have requested privacy during this difficult time. The school has offered support to pupils and staff affected by the incident.
