Family still waiting for inquest six years after rock concert death

THE FAMILY of a technician for rock band Radiohead, who was killed before a concert six years ago, are still waiting for an inquest to be held into his death, it emerged.

Scott Johnson, from Doncaster, died in 2012 when the roof of a temporary stage collapsed on him before the band were due to perform in Canada.

The 33-year-old drum technician, who also worked with other leading groups including Keane, The Killers and White Lies, died after being crushed.

Yesterday, a hearing at Doncaster Coroner’s Court was told that it was still uncertain whether an inquest would be held in the UK or Canada.

Coroner Mark Beresford said: “The matter may be subject to an inquest in Canada, but no date has yet been fixed for that.

“We are reliant on the Canadian authorities for that information. In these circumstances, we can make no further progress in this jurisdiction.”

Mr Beresford told the court how criminal proceedings in Canada against “various corporate bodies” had been “stayed” since the death of Mr Johnson.

The Coroner adjourned the inquest until June 8 to “await progress” in the Canadian proceedings.

On June 16, 2012, Radiohead were due to perform in Toronto but the roof of the stage collapsed.

Canadian authorities charged promoter Live Nation, Optex Staging and Services and the engineer hired to design the stage with 13 offences under Ontario health and safety laws but all charges were stayed – and the case has effectively been dropped.

Mr Johnson’s parents Ken and Sue Johnson were left “angry and frustrated” by the lack of answers over their son’s death.