Man dies scattering sister’s ashes
Patricia Howells near where her son died, and right, daughter Michelle A GRIEVING brother drowned when he was swept into a raging sea during a trip to scatter his sister’s ashes, an inquest heard yesterday.
Shane Galliers went with his family to scatter the remains of his sister Michelle, who had died aged 44, at her favourite beauty spot.
But the grandfather left the group on the beach to venture on to rocks so he could have “one final chat” with his sister on January 31, 2015.
He disappeared from view when his mother, Patricia Howells, read out a letter from Michelle on Trebarwith Strand, near Tintagel, Cornwall.
The 51-year-old from Lifton, Devon, was swept into the turbulent waters by 15ft waves and drowned shortly after. His body has never been found.
Detective Constable Richard Martin told the inquest in Truro that Mr Galliers had put himself in an extremely risky position.
He said: “The water that day was severe. At 3.30pm the family were at the pub which overlooked the beach, and on this day they realised it was too stormy to scatter the ashes directly into the sea. Shane left the group and was seen walking alone along the rocks by a passer-by.
“A large wave knocked him into the water. The family realised and tried to help him. A lifebuoy was used but by this time he was overcome by the cold sea. His brother-in-law jumped in to try to help but he was washed inshore. A wave forced Shane into a rock and he was forced under the water.”
The coastguard was told the man could be seen in the water facedown and a lifeboat continued to search the sea in treacherous conditions.
DC Martin added: “He was not depressed but was grieving the death of his sister. He put himself in a risky position that day. He was alone on the rocks, he was dressed in warm clothing, he was of slight build and had a back operation that left him disabled.
“It was clear he was on his own. It is my opinion that he died in the sea moments after falling in.”
Mrs Howells, from Camelford, Cornwall, said: “Michelle wanted her ashes scattered on the beach as that’s where her grandmother and uncle are. It was where she grew up – we always used to come down to this beach
“Shane decided he wanted to go the other side of the river to all of us. I think he wanted some space to have one last chat with his sister. He just wanted a private moment.
“It’s a very big shock for all of us. First I lost my daughter and now I have lost my son. It’s so difficult to come to terms with.”
Coroner Andrew Cox was not a suicidal act.”
Conclusion: Drowning. said: “This