A 'bubbly' mother of five tragically drowned in a Walsall canal, prompting her family to demand immediate safety improvements. Jody Brown's body was recovered from the canal on Wolverhampton Street in the early hours of Sunday, May 3. Emergency services were unable to save her, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
West Midlands Police have stated that they are not treating Jody's death as suspicious and will refer the case to the coroner. Her brother, Paul Clarke, told the BBC that CCTV footage shows Jody walking along the canal's edge before falling in, adding, 'I don't think she could swim.'
The family is now calling for safety barriers to be installed around the canal basin. Paul noted that several people, including children, have fallen into the same stretch of water over the years, particularly when duckweed covers the surface. The Canal & River Trust confirmed that no duckweed has been present in the basin this year.
Paul has launched an online petition urging Walsall Council to act swiftly to prevent future accidents. He said, 'Walsall canal is a serene waterway in the heart of the town centre, but it has also been the site of tragic accidents. My beloved sister lost her life here due to a drowning accident. This unimaginable tragedy has prompted me to act so no other family experiences such heartbreak.'
He highlighted that many UK canals already have safety measures like fencing and barriers, reducing accident risks. 'With Walsall Canal located in a busy town centre, similar precautions are vital. Numerous studies show barriers significantly reduce accidental drownings. We urge the council to install safety fences or barriers, particularly in high-traffic areas.'
A Walsall Council spokesperson expressed sadness and offered condolences, stating they are working with the Canal & River Trust, which is responsible for the canal network, on an internal inquiry. 'Open water safety is managed through design, signage, safety equipment, and targeted interventions. Canals are not typically enclosed by continuous fencing, but we will keep appropriate measures under review.'
The Canal & River Trust also confirmed an internal inquiry to understand what can be learned. A spokesperson said, 'We do not own the land around the basin, so fencing decisions are not directly ours. However, we have installed a throw line, provided additional throw lines to businesses, upgraded signage, and run water-safety events. No weed has been present in the basin this year. Fencing off the waterfront is complex, as safe access must be maintained for boaters and rescue operations.'
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Jody's family with funeral costs. Organiser Nina Patterson described Jody as a 'bubbly young lady.' So far, over £600 has been raised towards the £800 target.
