Decorator died falling from ladder after tying flag to lamppost
A painter and decorator suffered fatal head injuries after falling from a ladder while tying a Union flag to a lamppost, the inquest heard.
Paul John Lumber, 61, had gone near his home in Duckmoor Road, Bristol, to plant flags on lampposts after attending a football match.
Avon Coroner’s Court was told how neighbors heard a loud bang before finding Mr Lumber lying on the ground next to his staircase on the evening of November 22 last year.
Mr Lumber, who was married, was taken to Southmead Hospital and underwent surgery but his condition deteriorated and he died on December 6.
Avon deputy coroner Dr. Simon Fox KC concluded it was accidental death following a brief hearing on Thursday.
The coroner said: “Mr Lumber fell down a ladder while tying a Union Jack flag to a lamppost at night after consuming alcohol.”
Coroner Andrew Eastwood’s statement was read at the inquest.
He confirmed that Mr Lumber lived in Duckmoor Road, Bristol, was born in the city and was a married painter and decorator.
Mr Lumber was a well-known fan of Bristol City FC and had written two books about his experiences. Two volumes, titled It All Started in Bristol, explored football hooliganism.
Dr Richard Moon, who works in neurosurgery at Southmead Hospital, said Mr Lumber was reported to have fallen down the stairs on November 22 last year.
A CT scan showed extensive head injuries, including a skull fracture. Mr. Lumber underwent two surgeries but later died.
The cause of death was reported to be traumatic brain injury and fall.
Mr Eastwood said in a statement that he had spoken to Mr Lumber’s wife, Michelle, and told her that he had “gone to watch Bristol City’s football match and had a few alcoholic drinks”.
He returned home at 7.30pm and took the keys to his minibus, which he kept on his work ladder, before leaving the house.
Mrs Lumber then became aware of sirens across the road and when she went outside she saw that her husband was being treated by paramedics, his staircase was nearby and a Union flag had been hung on the lamppost.
Neighbors called 999 after hearing a loud bang and saw Mr Lumber lying on the ground with a head injury.
Paramedics’ notes noted that Mr. Lumber left his home “to hang a flag around the neighborhood,” Mr. Eastwood’s statement said.
Mr Eastwood told the inquest: “The family have no concerns about the care or treatment provided.”
Following his death, a close friend paid tribute to BristolLive as a Bristol City and England supporter who “followed both club and country with an unwavering devotion”.
They added: “Friends described him as a man whose world revolved around those he loved.”
