This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-22081123
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Cornwall cliff fall climber 'was anxious' | Cornwall cliff fall climber 'was anxious' |
(14 days later) | |
A police officer sent for specialist climbing training on the Cornish coastline plunged to his death moments after becoming anxious about falling, an inquest has heard. | A police officer sent for specialist climbing training on the Cornish coastline plunged to his death moments after becoming anxious about falling, an inquest has heard. |
Johannes Westerveen, 33, was taking part in the training at St Just on 20 June when he lost his grip. | Johannes Westerveen, 33, was taking part in the training at St Just on 20 June when he lost his grip. |
Moments earlier, he had shouted to his instructor that he was struggling to find a foothold. | Moments earlier, he had shouted to his instructor that he was struggling to find a foothold. |
Coroner Dr Emma Carlyon recorded a verdict of accidental death. | Coroner Dr Emma Carlyon recorded a verdict of accidental death. |
The inquest heard Mr Westerveen was one of 10 Dutch officers taking part in the climbing training on the Little Brown Jug cliff. | The inquest heard Mr Westerveen was one of 10 Dutch officers taking part in the climbing training on the Little Brown Jug cliff. |
Absolved of blame | Absolved of blame |
The father-of-two shouted to his instructor and climbing partner that he was feeling anxious. | The father-of-two shouted to his instructor and climbing partner that he was feeling anxious. |
He completed a "barn door movement", swinging out from the cliff as he appeared to push off from the side of the drop. | He completed a "barn door movement", swinging out from the cliff as he appeared to push off from the side of the drop. |
The hearing was told this movement probably caused the safety clip wedged into the rock to come out. | The hearing was told this movement probably caused the safety clip wedged into the rock to come out. |
Mr Westerveen, from Zeist, around 30 miles south of Amsterdam, plummeted head first. | |
He was flown to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Treliske with head injuries, but died later that day. | He was flown to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Treliske with head injuries, but died later that day. |
An official report into the incident absolved the Dutch police of blame and said the death was caused by "an unfortunate combination of circumstances". | An official report into the incident absolved the Dutch police of blame and said the death was caused by "an unfortunate combination of circumstances". |
An investigation by the Dutch Ministry of Security and Justice said the instructors had "carried out virtually everything to the letter". | An investigation by the Dutch Ministry of Security and Justice said the instructors had "carried out virtually everything to the letter". |
Matthew Pavitt from the Coastguards, said the group had prepared well and had good safety kit. | Matthew Pavitt from the Coastguards, said the group had prepared well and had good safety kit. |
He said he did not think the climb was beyond Mr Westerveen's ability. | He said he did not think the climb was beyond Mr Westerveen's ability. |
Previous version
1
Next version