Glastonbury performer died after being found doused in petrol, inquest hears
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Version 0 of 1. A circus performer was found doused with petrol and engulfed in flames at the Glastonbury festival site days before the event was due to begin, an inquest has heard. Ashton Launcherley, 27, suffered severe burns to his body, inhalation injury and organ failure, the hearing at Taunton coroner’s court in Somerset was told. He was airlifted to hospital after being found on fire at the Worthy Farm festival site but died the following day. The coroner Tony Williams said: “Today I am able to open an inquest into the death of Ashton Lotus Wajuga Launcherley. He had died on the 21 June at Queen Elizabeth hospital in Birmingham. Mr Launcherley, of Wells, was a single man, a circus performer and workshop leader. “On the afternoon of 20 June Mr Launcherley was discovered ablaze. He was doused in petrol and he was ablaze. Mr Launcherley was airlifted from the scene to Southmead hospital in Bristol and then to the Queen Elizabeth hospital in Birmingham where he died the next day.” The coroner said there were no suspicious circumstances, and he adjourned the inquest for three months. Launcherley studied at circus school Circomedia in Bristol and dreamed of being the best juggler in the world. His father, Pete, had taught him how to juggle when he was 12 and he used to practise in the garden with his older brother Eric. While living in Bristol, Launcherley gave displays in the city and went to schools to teach children how to juggle. Speaking a few years ago, Launcherley said: “Juggling is a really small world, but I know I can be the best.” Writing on a Justgiving page set up in Launcherley’s memory, his aunt Margery Hookings praised the help he received after the incident. She wrote: “The sensitivity of the people on the festival field has been amazing. Before the helicopter arrived, he was attended by first aiders who loved him and hugged him and talked to him. “These were a nurse/permaculture gardener, a farmer, a reiki practitioner and a fireman. Everything was done with dignity. We appreciate very much everyone’s compassionate thoughts and actions which is a great help at this time. All love.” |