Tragedy as boy, 2, killed by falling fireplace while dancing at home

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-Credit: (Image: Samantha Walsh / SWNS)


A two year old boy tragically died after a marble fireplace and a television toppled onto him while he was dancing in his living room. An inquest into the heartbreaking death of young Carter Walsh has been opened and adjourned.

The court heard that the marble fireplace had not been secured to the wall, and the television was unsecured on top of it. Neither the TV nor the fireplace were attached to the wall.

Carter, who his mother lovingly referred to as 'the apple of our eyes', was enjoying a dance to a show on the television at their home when the tragic incident occurred.

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It was revealed at Bolton Coroner's Court that 'workmen' at the scene lifted the heavy objects off Carter as emergency services were summoned. Despite efforts to save him, the toddler passed away later in hospital.

The emergency response, including police, paramedics, and the air ambulance, was called out at approximately 2:15 pm on Wednesday, September 18, reports the MEN.

Police coroner's officer Julieann Hyde stated that Carter was being cared for by a family member at the time of the accident while his mother, Samantha Walsh, was at work. She mentioned that the television was simply 'balanced' atop the unanchored marble fireplace in the living room.

"Suddenly, they fell over on top of him," Ms Hyde recounted. Workmen had to 'lift' the fireplace and television off the boy. The young lad was rushed to hospital but despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was declared dead at 3.29pm, as revealed in court.

An initial post-mortem examination attributed the provisional cause of death to head injuries.

Absent from the proceedings was Carter's family when coroner Professor Dr Alan Walsh presided over the hearing. Prof Walsh gave permission for Carter's body to be released and directed that statements from Greater Manchester Police and the hospital should be prepared for an upcoming full inquest.

"I send my condolences to members of Carter's family and I will adjourn this inquest to be resumed at a later date," expressed Prof Walsh.

Carter's mother, Ms Walsh, aged 38, spoke about the devastation last week, honouring her son as her 'best friend' and 'the apple of our eyes'. She shared: "He was well-loved, not just by his family but by anybody that met him. He broke the hearts of everybody he met... He was the apple of our eyes."

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In a poignant revelation, Carter's aunt Natalie Prescot, 35, recalled how Carter enjoyed the 'best day ever' with his loved ones on the Wednesday before his heartbreaking death. The family had a lunch outing at a carvery and spent time seeing horses, marking cherished moments with his mother, sister, and niece.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police issued a statement saying: "At around 2.15pm on Wednesday September 18, officers were called to reports regarding a concern for welfare of a child on Fisher Close, Wigan. Sadly, despite the best efforts of paramedics, a two-year-old boy later died at hospital."

"Enquiries are ongoing and officers are supporting the family at this time."