Joint Fatal Accident Inquiry into Scottish Water Deaths to Last 10-12 Days
The Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) will examine the tragic deaths of Kayden Walker and Ruaridh Stevenson, who drowned during separate outdoor water-based activities in Scotland. The inquiry is scheduled to last for a minimum of 10 days next month, with proceedings set to begin on March 16 at Falkirk Sheriff Court.
Details of the Kayden Walker Case
Kayden Walker, a 12-year-old boy from Bridgeton, Glasgow, died on July 29, 2019, after a river boarding incident on the River Tay near Stanley in Perth and Kinross. During a day-trip with the Church House community group on July 28, he became trapped on the upstream side of a weir and was separated from his board. Following his rescue from the water, he was airlifted to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and later transferred to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, where he passed away.
In October 2024, Outdoor Pursuits Scotland Ltd was prosecuted for a contravention of health and safety legislation related to Kayden's death and was fined £10,000. This prosecution forms a key background to the FAI, which aims to uncover further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Details of the Ruaridh Stevenson Case
Ruaridh Stevenson, aged 39 and from Cupar, Fife, drowned on April 13, 2024, while attempting to assist a client who encountered difficulties in the waters of Dollar Glen, Clackmannanshire. Mr Stevenson was a director of a company that provided "canyoning" experiences on Scottish rivers, highlighting the risks associated with such outdoor activities.
Prosecutors have noted that the deaths of both individuals occurred in similar circumstances, as they were both participating in water-based outdoor pursuits. This similarity has led to the joint nature of the inquiry, which seeks to address broader safety concerns in the sector.
Purpose and Nature of the Fatal Accident Inquiry
During a preliminary hearing at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Monday, Sheriff Keith O'Mahony confirmed that the FAI will allocate between 10 and 12 days for proceedings. The primary objectives of the inquiry include determining the exact cause of each death, examining the circumstances under which they occurred, and identifying any reasonable precautions that could have been taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial rather than adversarial, focusing on establishing facts rather than assigning blame. This approach allows for a thorough investigation into systemic issues and safety measures, with the goal of enhancing public safety and preventing future incidents in outdoor water activities.
The inquiry's findings could have significant implications for regulations and practices within the outdoor adventure industry in Scotland, potentially leading to improved safety protocols and heightened awareness among operators and participants alike.
