'Good person' found dead in Nottingham car park had suffered head injury

An inquest has been opened into the death of a Nottingham man who was found unresponsive in a car park. David Richard Kipping, 53, was pronounced dead outside his home on Moffat Close, St Ann's, on March 8 after emergency services were called at 1.40am to a report of a sudden death.

Mr Kipping's death was being treated as unexplained, Nottinghamshire Police said, and a coronial investigation was opened on Friday, June 28, at Nottingham Council House by Assistant Coroner for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Michael Wall. The provisional cause of death for Mr Kipping was given as a head injury.

Mr Wall said: "I'm today opening an inquest into the death of David Richard Kipping. He was born on November 10, 1970, and he died on March 8, 2024. He was aged 53 at the time of his death.

"He died at 14, Moffat Close and was identified by his fingerprints. A post-mortem examination has been carried out and the provisional cause of death is recorded as head injury.

"I certify that in accordance with my statutory duty I opened an inquest touching on the death of David Richard Kipping. This hearing now stands adjourned for completion of further inquiries and will be resumed for a final hearing on a date yet to be fixed. It just remains for me to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Kipping."

Mr Kipping's neighbour, Josh Roberts, 28, told Nottinghamshire Live following the incident that Mr Kipping was a 'good person' and a 'friendly, normal' man, who didn't cause trouble. Mr Roberts described seeing Mr Kipping's body lying in the car park as he was picking up his takeaway and described the sight as traumatising.

On March 11, Mr Roberts said: "You only see stuff like this in horror films, not on your doorstep. It broke my heart because I wanted to help but didn't know what to do. I've had no rest since and I've cried all over the weekend.

"I'm just sorry for him, he didn't deserve to die. I had to walk away at one point because I just couldn't take it anymore."

A police cordon remained in place on March 8 and officers, including forensics, were carrying out their investigations. There was a police presence in the area for days following the incident.