Mum dies in devastating freak accident after faulty Ottoman bed crashes down on neck
Helen Davey, 39, tragically died when her neck became trapped in a faulty ottoman bed after its gas-lift mechanism failed. Following the incident, a coroner urged the UK Government to address the risks posed by such bed mechanisms to prevent future d
A mum-of-two died in a horror freak accident after her neck became trapped in a faulty ottoman bed. Helen Davey, 39, from Seaham in County Durham was "unable to free herself" when the raised mattress platform suddenly fell, pinning her neck against the bed's base on June 7.
Following the death, a coroner issued a warning to the UK Government, urging action to prevent further deaths relating to the failing mechanism.
An inquest into her death found that one of the gas-lift pistons, which lifts the mattress, was defective. Her death was recorded as accidental, reports ChronicleLive.
In his report, Durham and Darlington's senior coroner Jeremy Chipperfield said: "The deceased was leaning over the storage area of an Ottoman-styled 'gas-lift bed' when the mattress platform descended unexpectedly, trapping her neck against the upper surface of the side panel of the bed's base. Unable to free herself, she died of positional asphyxia.
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"During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken."
Mr Chipperfield said it was his duty to raise concerns with the Office for Product Safety and Standards and the Department for Business and Trade about "the existence and use of gas piston bed mechanisms whose failure presents risk to life."
He added: "In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action."
Helen, mum of 19-year-old Elizabeth and 11-year-old George, ran a beauty business from her home. In a public tribute following her death, her daughter shared: "I can’t even begin to process that it’s real and your (sic) not just going to walk through the door. Mine and George’s best friend from day one, I will always wish we had more time together and that you were still by our side supporting us through everything as always. I hope you know how much I love you and that I’d do anything for one more cuddle. Until we meet again my angel."
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