Man falls to death at Dartmouth country club work party
A carpenter who had been enjoying a belated work Christmas party at a golf and country club tragically fell to his death while 'heavily intoxicated', an inquest has heard.
Plymouth-born Stewart Popham, who was married and lived in Kingsbridge, was captured on CCTV 'staggering around' a function room at Dartmouth Hotel, Golf and Spa and then fell down a flight of stairs.
Extensive efforts to revive the 64-year-old were unsuccessful and his death was confirmed at the club in the early hours of the morning on January 9, 2023. An inquest into his death, held at Exeter Coroners Court today, January 22, heard police concluded his fall was accidental.
A police officer who viewed the CCTV, told in a statement: "He was staggering around appearing to be heavily intoxicated heading to the direction of a flight of stairs. He has grabbed the top rail and taken a few steps down before it looks like he fell and disappeared from view."
The cause of his death was hemothorax - a serious condition in which blood collects the cavity between the lungs and rib cage - alongside fractured ribs and spine, and a fall.
Stewart's employer confirmed his tragic accident was not a work related incident so would not be investigated.
Stewart's family told the coroner he was 'not a big drinker' and expressed their gratitude to all those who tried to help him after his fall just before 1am.
His brother Ian said: "We would like to thank all those involved in trying to save him in what must have been very traumatic circumstances."
They added it had brought them comfort, along with the fact he had been enjoying himself and having a good time before he suddenly passed away.
Recording a conclusion of alcohol-related death (accidental fall), assistant coroner Nicholas Lane said: "It seems to me this was a tragic accident. Clearly it would not have happened if he was not heavily intoxicated.
"Very sadly this was an alcohol-related accident."