Inquest hears of jet-ski tragedy
A jet-skier drowned after an accident on the River Wear, an inquest heard.
Michael Scott, from Springwell, Sunderland, died in hospital after he was pulled from the water at South Hylton.
An inquest heard the popular 22-year-old had got into difficulties near Claxheugh Rocks.
Sergeant John Hall, from Northumbria Police, was among emergency services called to the scene on September 20.
Michael was already in an ambulance on his way to Sunderland Royal Hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
Sgt Hall said: “It quickly appeared that it had not been an organised event. He had been there in the company of some friends riding jet skis and had been for some time that afternoon.
“They were just about to leave the area when he decided to have one last ride.”
For some reason the jet ski stopped and Michael fell into the water
The police Marine Unit examined the jet ski and said it was in working order and had no defects, although it was old.
However, Sgt Hall added that Michael was not wearing a life vest and the jet-ski did not have a “kill cord”, which attaches from the key to the rider and cuts out the engine if it stops suddenly.
Pathologist Dr Stuart Hamilton said a very small amount of alcohol was found in Michael’s body, but this could have been produced naturally after his death.
He also had cuts and grazes on his forehead, nose and knee, but it not known how these were caused.
Coroner Derek Winter said: “It is clear to me that this was the unintended consequence of an act which was entirely accidental and is appropriate for me to record a verdict of accidental death.
“It also seems to me that the tragedy was compounded by the fact that Michael appeared to have bumped his head and this may have impact his ability to swim to shore.”
Speaking after the inquest, his distraught family, including mum Carole, 49, and brother Mark, 26, as well as girlfriend Michelle Eltringham, 20, said they planned to mark what would have been Michael’s 23rd birthday next week with a family meal before some of his friends and his brother would go back to the scene of the tragedy.
Carole, whose husband Joe could not attend the hearing, pleaded with anyone going into the water to stay safe, as Michael took off his life vest before his fatal last ride.
She also paid tribute to those who battled to save her son, saying: “I would also like to thank everyone involved in the rescue from the bottom of my heart.”
Verdict: accidental death
(source)