A painter and decorator from Bristol has died from traumatic head injuries sustained in a tragic accident that occurred while he was erecting a Union flag on a lamppost following a football match, a coroner's court has heard.
Tragic Incident Following Football Match
Paul John Lumber, a 61-year-old married man and devoted Bristol City FC supporter, fell from a ladder on the evening of November 22 last year while attempting to tie a Union flag to a lamppost near his home in Duckmoor Road, Bristol. The incident occurred after he had attended a football match and consumed several alcoholic drinks.
Emergency Response and Hospital Treatment
Neighbours reported hearing a loud bang before discovering Mr Lumber on the ground with his ladder nearby. Emergency services were called immediately, and paramedics arrived to find him being treated at the scene. His wife, Michelle, became aware of the situation after hearing sirens across the road and discovered her husband receiving medical attention.
Mr Lumber was transported to Southmead Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. A CT scan revealed extensive head injuries including a skull fracture. Despite undergoing two operations, his condition deteriorated over the following days, and he sadly passed away on December 6.
Coroner's Findings and Inquest Details
Dr Simon Fox KC, assistant coroner for Avon, concluded that the death was accidental following a short hearing at Avon Coroner's Court. The coroner stated explicitly that Mr Lumber had fallen from the ladder while tying the Union Jack flag at night after consuming alcohol.
During the proceedings, a statement from coroner's officer Andrew Eastwood was read, confirming Mr Lumber's personal details and the circumstances surrounding the incident. The statement noted that Mr Lumber had returned home from the football match at approximately 7.30pm before taking the key to his work van to retrieve his ladder.
Medical Evidence and Family Statements
Dr Richard Moon, a neurosurgeon at Southmead Hospital, provided medical evidence confirming the nature and severity of the injuries sustained in the fall. The official cause of death was recorded as traumatic brain injury resulting from the accident.
Mr Eastwood's statement revealed that he had spoken with Mr Lumber's wife, who confirmed her husband had been to watch Bristol City play football and had consumed several alcoholic drinks before the incident. The family expressed no concerns regarding the medical care and treatment provided to Mr Lumber during his hospital stay.
Community Tributes and Personal Legacy
Following his death, friends and fellow supporters paid tribute to Mr Lumber as a dedicated Bristol City and England fan who followed both club and country with unwavering devotion. He was also known as the author of two books about football hooliganism titled It All Kicked Off In Bristol, which explored his experiences and perspectives on the sport's culture.
Close friends described him as a man whose world revolved around those he loved, highlighting his commitment to both his family and his football community. The tragic incident has left a significant impact on those who knew him in Bristol and beyond.
