A grandmother died in July 2021 when the gable end wall of her rented home in Shevington, Greater Manchester, collapsed on her while she was hanging out laundry. Clarice Berry, 77, was crushed under approximately 10 feet of rubble. Neighbors and passers-by attempted to rescue her before firefighters arrived.

Mrs. Berry was transported to the hospital but died later that day from chest injuries. An inquest into her death heard that the wall had been bulging and was described as a 'timebomb'. Her husband, Arthur Berry, had repeatedly raised concerns about the deteriorating brickwork with the landlord, Shlomo Klein, and the property management firm, KMPM.

Despite these warnings, no structural assessment or repairs were made to the wall, according to evidence presented at Bolton Coroner's Court. Investigations by the Health and Safety Executive following Mrs. Berry's death confirmed an underlying structural problem, specifically long-standing wall tie failure, that made the collapse inevitable.

Assistant Coroner Bronia Hartley criticized the lack of action, stating that a competent surveyor would have identified the danger, and a reasonably competent property management company or landlord would have ensured the wall was monitored, with a structural survey conducted by 2018 at the latest. She concluded that had the defect been addressed, the collapse and Mrs. Berry's death would likely have been prevented. The coroner announced she would be issuing a prevention of future deaths report to S&G Properties Ltd, of which Mr. Klein is a co-director, and KMPM.

"Tragedy is an overused word but that is what Arthur came home to that afternoon," Ms. Hartley said, branding Mrs. Berry's death "senseless."

Following the inquest, the couple's daughter, Amanda Berry-Smith, stated that while the conclusion was appropriate, the loss had been devastating for their family. She expressed hope that the coroner's report would aid in preventing similar incidents. The family's focus remains on remembering Clarice Berry.

The Health and Safety Executive concluded its investigation without taking action against any parties involved.