A 78-year-old pensioner died of severe chest injuries after being trampled by cattle at a National Trust estate, an inquest has been told. John Orton, a retired telecommunications engineer, was killed after being injured by animals at Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk on July 13.
An inquest into his death was opened at Norfolk Coroner's Court on Friday. Maeve Sykes, assistant coroner for Norfolk, stated that a provisional cause of death was 'severe chest injuries due to having been trampled by cattle,' determined by a post-mortem examination.
Norfolk Police reported being called to the Felbrigg Hall estate around 11:45 a.m. on the day of the incident, and Mr. Orton died at the scene. The Health and Safety Executive has taken the lead in the investigation into Mr. Orton's death.
A spokesman for the National Trust said emergency services were called after a member of the public was seriously injured. "Despite the efforts of the paramedics, the person tragically died at the scene," the spokesman said. "We are shocked and deeply saddened by this news, and our thoughts and condolences are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
Felbrigg Hall, which has parts dating back to Tudor times, was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1969. The estate closed briefly following Mr. Orton's death. The inquest has been adjourned until next year.
This is not the first fatality at the Norfolk estate. In 2007, an 11-year-old boy died when a branch fell on him during a school trip to the stately home.