A British pensioner died after his rented electric wheelchair accidentally tumbled down a flight of stone steps during a holiday in Spain, an inquest has heard.
Ronald Cushion, 80, a retired family therapist from Teignmouth, Devon, was enjoying a break in Malaga with his wife when the fatal accident occurred on December 22, 2023.
Details of the Incident
Exeter Coroner's Court was told on August 4 that Mr Cushion had been registered disabled since 2010 after suffering a stroke and relied primarily on a wheelchair.
On the morning of the accident, Mr Cushion went to the hotel entrance for his customary morning cigarette. His wife remained inside, keeping watch without wanting to hurry him. Moments later, he had bypassed the ramp and gone down the steps.
The wheelchair toppled over, and Mr Cushion suffered a "very significant head injury" and lost consciousness. Passers-by and his wife came to his aid before paramedics rushed him to a local hospital.
Death and Inquest
Tragically, Mr Cushion died at approximately 8am on December 24 at Hospital La Aaxarouia, just days after the accident.
Assistant Coroner Mr Stephen Covell stated: "This was an unexpected, unintended and unforeseen event. Please accept my sincere condolences."
A post-mortem examination recorded the cause of death as cerebral haemorrhage following a fall. Mr Covell recorded a verdict of accidental death.
