By Inquest to be launched into tragic death of teenager on Humber Bridge
An inquest is set to take place later, looking into the tragic death of 17-year-old Grace Fyfe who fell from the bridge last year.
Her death was one of the multiple incidents to take place last February and March, which lead to demand for better safety measures on the bridge.
The footpath was subsequently closed for over a month.
A former pupil at Wolfreton School in Willerby, Grace sadly died on Sunday 28 March 2021 in the early hours.
A Pre-Inquest Review (PIR) was held in Hull on Monday to determine the scope of the inquest, who will need to give evidence in person, and when the inquest might take place.
Grace’s family, chairman of Humber Rescue Dave Roberts, and representatives from both the Coastguard and Yorkshire Ambulance Service were present.
At the time of Grace’s death, flowers and loving messages were laid at the riverbank paying tribute to Grace who was described as cheerful, fun, and caring.
Senior Coroner Professor Paul Marks considered whether an ‘article 2’ inquest is required to look at wider issues around Grace’s death and if there were any failings by the authorities tasked with protecting her.
The hearing heard that there was nothing to suggest the need to look more deeply into Grace’s death beyond the four basic questions of who died, where, when, and how.
He also ruled there would be no need for a jury and those present agreed he could preside over the inquest alone.
He predicted the inquest will last two days, hearing evidence from the pathologist, Grace’s mum, a couple of her friends, Humber Bridge staff, paramedics, and clinical staff.
Concerns were raised over the mental well-being of Hull’s young people after 12 months predominantly trapped inside during the coronavirus lockdown.
February and March saw multiple incidents of tragic deaths on the bridge and a petition was launched calling for extra measures to help “secure” the Humber Bridge and prevent or significantly reduce the number of suicide attempts there.
Hundreds of families who had lost loved ones to suicide on the bridge and several thousand locals signed the petition.
A date has yet to be fixed for the inquest, but it is due to take place later this year.
