Carter Walsh, two, killed by falling fireplace after dancing near TV, inquest is told
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Carter Walsh, described as an “inquisitive young man”, had been dancing to the children’s TV programme Cocomelon shortly before the accident at his home in Wigan, Greater Manchester, on September 18.
The flatscreen TV weighing between 25 and 30kg (55-66lb) was resting on top of the fireplace and neither had been fitted to the living room wall of the rented property in Fisher Close, Bolton Coroner’s Court was told.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe toddler, who was knocked unconscious and went into cardiac arrest, was taken by ambulance to Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan.


He could not be revived and was pronounced dead the same afternoon.
Detective Inspector Stuart Woodhead, of Greater Manchester Police, told the inquest: “I believe he had gone towards the fireplace and potentially grabbed the mantelpiece. He didn’t suffer, he didn’t know what was going on. It was an instantaneous event.”
Concluding the death was an accident, Greater Manchester West area coroner Peter Sigee told his family: “I give my condolences and I am so sorry we have had to meet in such tragic circumstances.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.