Golfer sheltering under tree was killed by lightning

♦ A golfer died four days after he was struck by lightning while sheltering under a tree from hail, an inquest heard yesterday.

Philip Shard, 60, an IT consultant, was found collapsed by Brian Goldsmith, his friend and playing partner. After a sunny start to their round on May 27 at Fynn Valley Golf Club in Witnesham, Suffolk, the weather deteriorated while they were on opposite sides of the fairway.

When Mr Goldsmith walked across he found Shard unconscious under a large conifer tree.

Shard, of Rushmere near Ipswich, was taken to hospital but died on May 31 from a hypoxic brain injury.

A conclusion of accidental death due to lightning strike was recorded.