A Bristol man in his sixties tragically died from head injuries sustained after falling from a ladder while displaying Union flags on lampposts near his home, an inquest has concluded.
Fatal Incident Following Football Match
Paul John Lumber, a 61-year-old married painter and decorator from Bristol, had been watching his beloved football team, Bristol City, on the evening of 22nd November. The Avon Coroner's Court heard that Mr Lumber had consumed several alcoholic drinks during the match before returning to his home on Duckmoor Road at approximately 7:30pm.
After arriving home, Mr Lumber retrieved his work ladder from his van and proceeded to go out again with the intention of putting up flags on lampposts in his local neighbourhood. The court was told this occurred during the hours of darkness.
Emergency Response and Hospital Treatment
Neighbours called emergency services after hearing a loud bang and discovering Mr Lumber on the ground with his ladder nearby. Paramedics arrived at the scene to find him with significant head injuries, and he was promptly transported to Southmead Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Dr Richard Moon, a consultant from the hospital's neurosurgery department, reported that a CT scan revealed extensive traumatic brain injuries including a skull fracture. Despite undergoing two surgical procedures, Mr Lumber's condition continued to deteriorate, and he sadly passed away on 6th December.
Coroner's Conclusion and Investigation Details
Dr Simon Fox KC, assistant coroner for Avon, conducted a short hearing on Thursday and reached a conclusion of accidental death. The coroner stated that Mr Lumber "fell from a ladder while tying a Union Jack flag to a lamppost at night after consuming alcohol".
The official cause of death was recorded as traumatic brain injury resulting from a fall. Coroner's officer Andrew Eastwood provided a statement indicating he had spoken with Mr Lumber's wife, Michelle, who confirmed her husband had been drinking alcohol while watching Bristol City play football before the incident occurred.
Community Response and Personal Background
Mrs Lumber told investigators she heard sirens across the road and went outside to find paramedics treating her husband, with his ladder nearby and a Union flag already attached to a lamppost. The community has since rallied around the family, with a GoFundMe page established by friend Stephen Gardiner raising over £5,700 in support.
Mr Lumber was known locally as a dedicated Bristol City supporter who had authored two books about football culture titled It All Kicked Off In Bristol, which explored themes of football hooliganism. Friends and family have described him as "a man whose world revolved around those he loved", highlighting his commitment to both his family and his passions.
The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with working at height, particularly when combined with alcohol consumption and reduced visibility during nighttime hours. The coroner's investigation has provided closure to the family while emphasising the preventable nature of such accidents.
