Plymouth man, 29, died after medical episode

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


An inquest has heard how a man who suffered serious injuries after he was struck by a train, leaving him needing care and support, has sadly passed away following a medical episode.

At the public hearing held by area coroner Alison Longhorn at Exeter County Hall, now the main coroner's court for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, the inquest of Charles Pickthall was opened.

Ms Longhorn noted how the 29-year-old was born in Plymouth and resided at a property in Dingle Road, North Prospect. He sadly passed away on April 11, 2024 at Derriford Hospital.

Ms Longhorn said the circumstances of his death were that Charles was involved in an accident at Axminster railway station in December 2022. The incident left him with life-changing disabilities requiring a degree of care and support when he returned home in Plymouth.

She said Charles had been visited at his home by friends around April 7 2024.

He was then visited by family members later that day and all seemed to be in order. Ms Longhorn said Charles spoke to another relative later that evening and a concern was raised for his welfare.

He was suspected of suffering from a medical episode. An ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital where he later passed away.

Ms Longhorn said that there were no suspicious circumstances to his passing and the medical cause of death had been ascertained as hypoxic brain injury, autonomic dysreflexia and spinal cord injury.

She adjourned the hearing and a full inquest will take place at a later date.

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