The grieving family of a much-loved pensioner who died on Christmas Day after a tragic fall caused by a pothole have issued an emotional tribute, sharing their heartbreak and memories of her vibrant life.
A Devastating Accident
Beryl Barrett, an 87-year-old resident of Warsop who lived independently and maintained an active lifestyle, suffered a devastating accident on December 19th. While attempting to cross Church Street in Warsop via the pedestrian crossing after visiting her hairdresser, she clipped the wheel of her walking aid and fell backwards onto the road.
The family believes this fall was directly caused by her walking stick becoming stuck in a pothole outside Warsop Town Hall in Mansfield. Multiple kind members of the public rushed to assist her immediately, with family members and an ambulance crew arriving shortly afterwards.
Medical Consequences and Tragic Outcome
Medical assessments confirmed that Mrs. Barrett had suffered a broken femur and damage to the top of her previous hip replacement during the fall. She was taken to hospital where it was recommended she undergo surgery the following week.
Despite medical intervention, her condition deteriorated. She later went into respiratory failure and, tragically, passed away on December 25th, exactly one week after the initial accident. Her family stated she never recovered from her injuries.
Family's Emotional Statement
In their released statement, the Barrett family expressed both their grief and gratitude: "We, the Barrett family would like to address the event that we believe caused the death of our mother on December 25. She was 87-years-old, living independently in Warsop. She had a very active life. She regularly attended church, bingo and met family and friends for events."
"She used a walking aid, and on December 19, after attending the hairdresser, she attempted to cross the road in Church Street, Warsop - via the pedestrian crossing. She clipped the wheel of her walking aid and fell backwards onto the road. Many kind members of the public rushed to help her. For that, we are truly grateful."
Questioning Preventability
The family's statement included a poignant reflection on the accident's preventability: "We believe that, if that accident hadn't have occurred (despite her underlying health issues) she would not have passed away in this way."
This tragic incident highlights concerns about road maintenance and pedestrian safety, particularly for elderly residents who may rely on walking aids. Mrs. Barrett's family described her as living a full and independent life prior to the accident, regularly participating in community activities and maintaining social connections.
The case raises important questions about infrastructure maintenance and the protection of vulnerable road users in communities across the country.
