Bristol City FC fan Paul John Lumber suffered fatal head injuries after fall from ladder while tying Union Flags to lampposts

A well known Bristol City FC fan, who had just come back from watching a match, suffered a fatal head injury while tying Union Flags to lampposts in the city. Painter and decorator Paul John Lumber fell from a ladder, an inquest heard.

The 61-year-old had gone out near his home in Duckmoor Road in Bristol, to erect the flags after consuming alcohol. Avon Coroner’s Court was told how neighbours heard a loud bang before discovering Mr Lumber on the ground, with his ladder nearby, on the evening of November 22.

Mr Lumber, who was married, was taken to Southmead Hospital and underwent surgery but his condition deteriorated and he died on December 6. Dr Simon Fox KC, assistant coroner for Avon, reached a conclusion of accidental death following a short hearing on Thursday.

The coroner said: “Mr Lumber fell from a ladder while tying a Union Jack flag to a lamppost at night after consuming alcohol.”

During the inquest, a statement by coroner’s officer Andrew Eastwood was read. He confirmed Mr Lumber lived in Duckmoor Road in Bristol, had been born in the city and was a married painter and decorator.

Dr Richard Moon, who works in the neurosurgery department at Southmead Hospital, said Mr Lumber was reported to have fallen from a ladder. A CT scan showed extensive head injuries, including a skull fracture. Mr Lumber underwent two operations but later died. His cause of death was recorded as traumatic brain injury and a fall.

Mr Eastwood, in a statement, said he had spoken to Mr Lumber’s wife Michelle who told him he had “been to watch Bristol City play football and had consumed several alcoholic drinks”..

He returned home at 7.30pm and took the key to his van – where he kept his work ladder – before leaving their home. Mrs Lumber later became aware of sirens across the road and went out to find her husband being treated by paramedics, with his ladder nearby and a Union flag on a lamppost.

Neighbours had called 999 after hearing a loud bang, and discovering Mr Lumber on the ground with a head injury. Paramedics notes recorded that Mr Lumber had left his home “to put up flags around the neighbourhood”, Mr Eastwood’s statement said.

Mr Eastwood told the inquest: “The family have no concerns regarding any of the care or treatment provided.”

Mr Lumber was a well-known fan of Bristol City FC and authored two books about his experiences. The two volumes, titled It All Kicked Off In Bristol, explored football hooliganism.