Tragic death of young man due to falling tree discussed further in court

A jury will be called for the inquest into the death of Darnell Cordingley, a 26-year-old man who was killed by a falling tree in Sale.

Darnell Cordingley [image: Facebook]

A pre-inquest review hearing took place yesterday (8th February), at Stockport Coroners' Court. The case has been referred to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a government agency, for investigation.

Mr Cordingley, who lived in Stokoe Avenue, Altrincham, was working as a traffic warden and wearing a council uniform when the tragic incident occurred on 6th October last year. He was pronounced dead at the scene on Osborne Terrace in Sale, and a friend was badly injured.

The HSE launched an investigation into the incident, which is still in its early stages, and the Greater Manchester Police have also started an inquiry, but the HSE eventually took over as the lead body.

Detective Inspector Jennifer Reeve informed the coroner, Christopher Morris, that a statement from Mr Cordingley's friend Sam Smart, who was present at the time of the incident, is still being sought. Mr Morris considered Mr Smart a "key eyewitness" and requested that GMP provide a statement from him by May 11th.

HSE inspector Lorna Sherlock informed Mr Morris that the body is in the very early stages of its investigation and that an expert has visited the site to examine the tree. The HSE has been given a deadline of 2nd June to present a full report with supporting evidence to the court.

Mr Morris stated that there was "no alternative but to sit with a jury" and scheduled another pre-inquest review hearing for 16th June.