A painter and decorator from Bristol tragically died after falling from a ladder while attempting to tie a Union flag to a lamppost following attendance at a football match, a coroner's court has been told. The incident occurred on the evening of November 22 last year, with the 61-year-old man succumbing to his injuries two weeks later in hospital.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Paul John Lumber, a married resident of Duckmoor Road in Bristol, had returned home at approximately 7.30pm after watching his beloved Bristol City FC play football. According to evidence presented at Avon Coroner's Court, Mr Lumber had consumed several alcoholic drinks during the day before deciding to embark on his flag-hanging mission.
Neighbours reported hearing a loud bang before discovering Mr Lumber lying on the ground with significant head injuries, his work ladder nearby and a Union flag partially attached to a lamppost. Emergency services were immediately called, with paramedics arriving to find the 61-year-old being treated at the scene before he was transported to Southmead Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Medical Treatment and Cause of Death
Dr Richard Moon, a consultant from the neurosurgery department at Southmead Hospital, confirmed that a CT scan revealed extensive head injuries including a skull fracture. Despite undergoing two surgical procedures, Mr Lumber's condition deteriorated and he passed away on December 6.
The official cause of death was recorded as traumatic brain injury resulting from a fall. Assistant coroner Dr Simon Fox KC concluded that the death was accidental, noting specifically that Mr Lumber had fallen from a ladder while tying a Union Jack flag to a lamppost at night after consuming alcohol.
Community Fundraising and Patriotism
Mr Lumber had been actively involved in fundraising to purchase Union and St George flags to display around various Bristol neighbourhoods. His online campaign, titled 'Raise the Colours', had successfully raised more than £1,000 from supporters by late October last year.
He was part of a community group that regularly hung flags on lampposts across several Bristol areas including Bedminster, Bedminster Down, Knowle, Hartcliffe, Hengrove and Whitchurch. Following his hospitalisation, a second fundraiser was established to support his family during this difficult period.
Football Fandom and Literary Works
A well-known Bristol City FC supporter, Mr Lumber had authored two books about football culture titled It All Kicked Off In Bristol. These volumes explored football hooliganism in the late 1970s and 1980s, detailing his personal journey into and out of that scene.
Interestingly, Mr Lumber is believed to have been among the first individuals in the country to receive a football banning order when such measures were introduced. He served several prison sentences in his younger years for football-related violence, though he later expressed maturity and reflection about that period of his life.
Family Tributes and Community Impact
In a statement read to the inquest, coroner's officer Andrew Eastwood confirmed he had spoken with Mr Lumber's wife Michelle, who described her husband's activities on the day of the accident. The family expressed no concerns regarding the medical care and treatment provided to Mr Lumber during his hospital stay.
Friends and community members have paid heartfelt tributes to Mr Lumber, describing him as a devoted family man, passionate patriot, and working-class hero. Sean Donnelly, landlord of the Three Lions pub and a childhood friend, remarked that marrying his partner of 23 years was what Mr Lumber considered his greatest achievement.
The Bristol Patriots group posted a tribute stating: 'Paul Lumber was a great bloke, never took a backward step when supporting his beloved Bristol City or defending his country. A true patriot always out protesting as he believed our country comes first.'
His loss has been deeply felt across South Bristol, where he was known for his strong political activism, vocal criticism of government policies, and unwavering commitment to working-class rights and community spirit.
