A DISABLED woman from Solihull drowned when she fell from a harbour wall into the sea, an inquest heard.
Clair Perkins, aged 20, was visiting Cobb Wall, Lyme Regis Dorset, with her parents on October 7 last year when the tragic accident happened.
Coroner for West Dorset Michael Johnston said it appeared that Clair, who suffered from neurological disease Niemann-Picka, may have accidentally pushed the controls for her electric wheelchair.
Clair Perkins, aged 20, was visiting Cobb Wall, Lyme Regis Dorset, with her parents on October 7 last year when the tragic accident happened.
Coroner for West Dorset Michael Johnston said it appeared that Clair, who suffered from neurological disease Niemann-Picka, may have accidentally pushed the controls for her electric wheelchair.
Within moments she had plunged from the wall and despite the best efforts of a local fisherman Harry May and lifeguards she drowned.
Mark Perkins, Clair’s dad, told the inquest: “We were standing on the pier talking when we heard a noise, Paula (Clair’s mum) turned around to ask if Clair was OK and Clair wasn’t there. She was gone in a split second, we were standing within arms’ reach when it happened.
“Harry May jumped in and was swimming up and down trying to get her but he couldn’t find her.”
Mr May, giving evidence at the hearing, said he managed to find the chair but it was too heavy to lift. RNLI crew and members of the coastguard were also unable to rescue Clair.
Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Johnston said: “I am terribly, terribly sorry for you and your family and friends.
“No-one can be prepared for one of their children dying before them.”
source: birminghammail.net
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