Mexborough and Swinton Times, June 15, 1928

Fatal Fall

Aged Wombwell Woman’s Death.

Mr S.H.B.Gill conducted an inquest at Wombwell yesterday into the death of Frances Merryweather (75) of 6 Marsh street, Wombwell who died on Tuesday after a fall.

Charles Merryweather said that about five years ago his wife had a “stroke,” and had since been partially paralysed and had lost the power of speech. She had been attended by Dr. Jardine.

On the evening of Thursday the 17th June, she went into the kitchen carrying a bucket, and immediately afterwards witness heard a bump. Going into the kitchen, he found his wife on flow. With assistance witness carried he upstairs. The following morning he sent for the doctor. Asked why lie did not send straight away, he said he did not think it necessary. Deceased seemed quite comfortable after being put to bed. The following morning she groaned and showed symptoms of being ill.

Dr. W. C. Jardine said, he attended deceased in 1923 for a “stroke.” He had since attended her at intervals, but had not seen her prior to death for a’ month or two. On being called to the house, he saw deceased apparently suffering considerable pain. There were bruises on the leg and some injury to the right hip joint. These injuries were consistent with deceased having had a fall. She improved the following day, but died at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, the 12th. The cause of death was diabetic coma., probably accelerated by the fall.

The Coroner: Really accidental death.

Witness was satisfied the relatives had done all they could for the deceased.