A great-grandmother died after being accidentally run over by her own son in a tragic incident outside a doctor's surgery in North Wales, an inquest has concluded.
The Fatal Incident at Brynffynnon Surgery
Celia Adams, an 81-year-old former bacteriologist and shopkeeper, succumbed to her injuries in hospital on February 28 last year. The incident occurred ten days earlier at the rear of the Brynffynnon surgery in Denbigh. Her son, Ian Adams, who was also her carer, had driven her to a medical appointment.
In a statement read at the Ruthin inquest, Ian Adams explained that due to his mother's severely restricted mobility and osteoporosis, he parked in a staff bay by the back door to help her. Knowing he could not remain parked there, he instructed his mother to wait while he moved the vehicle to find a proper space.
A Collision Without Warning
As he reversed his Range Rover, he did not feel any impact, and the vehicle's audible reversing sensors failed to sound an alert. It was only afterwards that surgery staff discovered Mrs Adams and brought her inside. She reportedly told them, "I've been run over."
Emergency services were called, and Mrs Adams was taken by ambulance to Glan Clwyd Hospital before being transferred to a specialist unit in Stoke. Her family later described her as "the glue that held us all together" and "a woman of many talents who had the biggest heart".
Coroner's Conclusion of Accidental Death
The medical cause of death was listed as respiratory failure due to multiple fractured ribs sustained in a road traffic collision. However, Senior Coroner for North Wales East and Central, John Gittins, stated it would be "inappropriate" to record a formal conclusion of death in a road traffic collision.
Instead, he recorded a conclusion of accidental death. Mr Gittins noted Mrs Adams's long-term diagnosis of osteoporosis, which weakens bones. He said it was "entirely conceivable" that the rib injuries which led to her respiratory failure stemmed from an initial fall, rather than directly from the vehicle.
The inquest heard that Ian Adams had informed police his mother had suffered several falls in the past, highlighting her vulnerability. This tragic case underscores the devastating consequences that can arise from a momentary accident, particularly for elderly individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
