A 102-year-old man with dementia died 11 days after he allegedly fell from a pub stage in Cwmbran, South Wales, on August 1. An inquest at Gwent Coroner's Court heard that Phillip Ormerod suffered critical injuries, including a fractured hip, after hitting the floor.
Mr. Ormerod, a regular at The Crow's Nest pub, reportedly wandered onto the stage while the band SuperHans was playing and asked for the music to be turned down. Pubgoers stated that the centenarian was then allegedly pushed, causing him to fall backward onto the floor.
He was taken to Grange Hospital in Llanfrechfa, Gwent, where his condition deteriorated. He was pronounced dead on August 12. Senior coroner Caroline Saunders noted that the inquest was opened due to the unnatural death.
Mr. Ormerod, born in 1923, had been diagnosed with dementia two to three years prior to the incident. He lived independently and visited the pub, where he had celebrated his 100th birthday, two or three times a week. His son, Robert Ormerod, described his father as a "bit of a character" who was known to younger patrons who would sometimes buy him drinks.
Prior to his death, Mr. Ormerod worked as a design engineer. He also served as a toolmaker during World War II and was part of the merchant navy. He lived alone for 40 years after his wife's passing.
Following the incident on August 1, Gwent Police arrested a 56-year-old man from Llanelli on suspicion of assault. The man has been released on bail. Post-mortem examination details are awaiting further testing.
The inquest is provisionally scheduled for May of the following year and will be formally suspended until criminal investigations are concluded.
The Crow's Nest pub has stated it is aware of the tragic circumstances and is cooperating with police, requesting that any witnesses contact them directly. The band SuperHans has since removed their Facebook page.