Tragic Fall in Cheadle Car Park Claims Life of Retired Farmer
A healthy and independent 89-year-old woman died following a tragic accident in a Staffordshire car park, a coroner has ruled. Elizabeth Bury, a retired farmer from Cellarhead, suffered fatal injuries after tripping over a speed bump in the Tape Street car park in Cheadle in February last year.
Emergency services attended the scene, but sadly, Elizabeth was pronounced dead at the location. The inquest heard that the fall caused her to break several ribs and strike her head on the kerb.
Coroner's Concerns and Council Action
North Staffordshire coroner Emma Serrano concluded that Elizabeth died from bilateral haemothorax due to rib fractures and cardiac laceration, which were complications directly resulting from her fall.
Ms Serrano highlighted significant safety concerns, stating that she was aware many people had previously fallen in the same car park. Consequently, she filed a formal prevention of future deaths report addressed to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.
The council has since completed improvement works at the car park. A spokesperson confirmed that the project involved resurfacing the area, replacing the speed bumps, and installing new signs and crossing points.
A Life of Independence Remembered
Paying tribute to her friend of more than 60 years, Barbara Freeman described Elizabeth as her "other half". The two had lived together for around 42 years and would look after each other.
Ms Freeman told the inquest that Elizabeth was in good health, did not require a walking stick, and walked to the shops every morning. On the day of the incident, they had eaten breakfast together before Elizabeth left for the post office.
The inquest also heard evidence that the West Midlands Ambulance Service had recorded a previous incident where a person had tripped on the same speed bump, underscoring the coroner's concerns about the potential danger it posed.
