Inquests opened into tragic deaths of Dave and Cameron Walsh
Inquests have opened following the tragic deaths of David Walsh and his son Cameron, a popular youth footballer with Grimsby Town FC. Senior coroner[1] for Lincolnshire, Paul Smith formally opened the inquests in Lincoln on Wednesday morning, following identification of the father and son who died on Tetney Lock Road, Tetney on January 6 when the Mercedes 300 they were travelling in entered a water-filled drain. Post mortem examinations had been carried out at Hull Royal Infirmary three days after the deaths, the hearing was told.
Mr Smith first opened the inquest first on 40-year-old David Lee Walsh. Details of their home address in Scartho were read. Mr Smith said the death happened following a road traffic collision on Tetney Lock Road, near Grimsby.
He said the post mortem examination was conducted by Dr Melanie Levy at Hull. The senior coroner said the doctor’s report stated: “The precise cause of death had yet to be determined and there are a number of outstanding enquiries to be made before a formal cause of death can be made.”
Cameron’s official club picture for Grimsby Town FC (Image: Grimsby Town FC)
He adjourned the inquest to a provisional date in July. The senior coroner said that would be dependent on the completion of a number of reports, including that of collision investigators who are examining what caused the vehicle to enter the waterway.
Opening the inquest into the death of Cameron David Lee Walsh, 16, Mr Smith again said the formal cause of death was not precise and further enquiries will be made by the pathologist before a formal conclusion is made. Mr Smith said he was satisfied that the cause of both deaths arose from the circumstances of the crash, as was the pathologist. He said there were a number of outstanding reports of statements that had been requested.
He formally adjourned the hearing to date in July. Lincolnshire Police forensic collision investigation officers are conducting the examination into what caused the tragedy. Emergency services were called to reports that a blue Mercedes 300 had left the road and become submerged in water.
A growing number of floral tributes and cards have since been left at the scene. A GoFundMe appeal to help the family of David and Cameron has now exceeded GBP53,600 with over 1,800 donations in a week. Hundreds of friends and fellow members of Grimsby Town FC have posted comments online.
Grimsby Town Football Club was among those posting statements and spoke of their “profound sadness and heavy hearts” at the loss. Cameron was described as a much-loved figure among teammates and an integral part of the GTFC academy. A minute’s applause was held for the pair ahead of Saturday’s match at Blundell Park[2] against Notts County.
Friends of David described him as a ‘lovely and humble guy’ who shared his son’s love for football..
References
- ^ coroner (www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Saturday’s match at Blundell Park (www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk)