By Inquest hears how disabled man drowned in Ainslie Park floodwater
A man tragically died after falling from his wheelchair into floodwater at a park in Grimsby an inquest has heard.
John Anthony Ewels, 55, sadly passed away in August 2020 when his electric wheelchair toppled forwards, submerging his head in flood water at Ainslie Street park.
John was celebrating his 55th birthday when he fell, having just texted his wife letting her know that he was making his way home.
Cleethorpes Town Hall heard how a call was made to Humberside Police at roughly 11:30 am, informing them that a man had gotten trapped in floodwater.
Emergency services headed to the scene as a member of the public waded into the water to help John.
The floodwater in the park at the time of John’s death had failed to drain away, causing deep areas of water to build up.
Mr Ewels was sadly pronounced dead at the scene at 11:50 am.
Mr Ewels had suffered from spinal muscular atrophy – a genetic condition that affects movement and the nervous system – and had been wheelchair-bound from the age of 21.
During the initial investigation, there had been the suggestion that a group of youths had pushed Mr Ewels over into the water,
However, after reviewing CCTV footage in the area and Mr Harrison’s GoPro footage, police ruled out any third-party involvement.
It also heard that Mr Ewel was using a wheelchair that no longer supported his weight.
The hearing heard it was a motorised Vectra XRT2 which had an upper support limit of 160kg (around 25 stone). Mr Ewels had weighed 180kg (around 28 stone) at the time of his death.
Coroner Paul Smith returned a verdict of accidental death.
Following Mr Ewel’s death, North East Lincolnshire Council pumped away the floodwater.
As the area used to be a cemetery this prevents any form of excavation to improve drainage.
Last April the council raised the footpath to a position above the level of the standing water.
A spokesperson from NELC said: “North East Lincolnshire Council wishes to offer its sincere condolences once again to the family of Mr Ewels following this tragic accident in Ainslie Park.
“Since the accident, we have taken steps to raise the pathway through the park as this area is well-known to flood, but would advise anyone not to enter standing water, whether here or anywhere else, and to find another safe way around it.”
