Chloe, 18, died after fall of plaster board
YOUNG JOINER SUFFERED NECK INJURY IN INCIDENT
AN 18-year-old joiner who died after an incident at work was found in a hallway of a house under renovation.
It appears that plaster board had fallen onto her and she died from a neck injury.
Police were called to a property in Deiniol Road, Bangor following a report of an “unexpected death” there on Wednesday, December 20.
Last week assistant coroner for north west Wales Sarah Riley opened an inquest into the cause of death of Chloe Marie Bidwell, a carpentry apprentice at Coleg Menai.
The inquest in Caernarfon heard that Ms Bidwell, of Lon Garreg Fawr, Trearddur Bay, had been at the residential property, which was undergoing complete renovation and was in effect a “building site”.
Ms Riley said she was told the initial circumstances were that shortly before 7pm on December 20 North Wales Police were called about a female who was not conscious or breathing in the hallway of the property with “plasterboard appearing to have fallen on her back”.
An ambulance was called at 6.48pm and it arrived at 6.52pm. But she was declared dead at 7pm by paramedic Ian Parry, the inquest heard.
She was formally identified by a Dafydd Hughes to police officers. A postmortem examination was ordered into the death.
Home Office pathologist Dr Brian Rodgers conducted it and gave a provisional cause of death as compression of the neck.
The assistant coroner adjourned the inquest to a later date pending the completion of further investigations.
After the tragedy North Wales Police said it was “continuing to investigate the circumstances” of her death, but it was not being treated as suspicious. The coroner and Health and Safety executive have been told.
A North Wales Police spokesman said at the time: “Police attended a property on Deiniol Road in Bangor on Wednesday December 20th following a report of the unexpected death of an 18-year-old woman.
“The coroner and Health and Safety Executive have been informed and we continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, which is not being treated as suspicious.”
Tributes were made by Chloe’s college and former school.
A spokesman for Coleg Menai said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of our learners, Chloe Bidwell.
“Chloe, a talented Carpentry
apprentice at Coleg Menai, won numerous national awards and was well-liked by everyone.
“We know that her loss will be felt by many and we send our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.”
Her former school paid a glowing tribute. A statement from Ysgol
RECRUITMENT events for those interested in employment opportunities at Cartref Plas Hedd, Bangor and Cartref Bryn Blodau, Llan Ffestiniog are to be held, as part of Cyngor Gwynedd’s wider campaign to deal with recruitment challenges facing the care sector in general.
There will be a warm welcome at the drop-in sessions for anyone interested in coming to work at either of the two care homes or who
Uwchradd Caergybi referred to “her infectious energy, kindness, dedication and her vibrant spirit that lit up the classroom effortlessly won the hearts of every staff member.”
The statement also praised her as a trailblazer.
It said: “Chloe was a testament to the boundless potential within each of
would like more information about this type of work in general in Gwynedd:
Maesgeirchen Youth Centre, Bangor (LL57 1LS) Wednesday, 17 January 9am-5pm; Pengwern, Llan Ffestiniog (LL41 4PB) Tuesday, 30 January, 2-5pm.
Cllr Dilwyn Morgan, Cabinet Member for Care said: “Ensuring there are enough care staff is a challenge facing services across the country. As a Council, we are very proud us. She flew the flag for female construction workers having achieved a gold medal at Skills Competition Wales.
“Her passion for joinery wasn’t merely a skill; it was a testament to her determination to break barriers and pave the way for future generations of girls.
“She dared to forge a
of our dedicated staff who provide quality care to people in care homes and in the community and I know their work makes a real difference to people’s lives every day.
“So, if you are someone who likes to help people and wants to make a big difference within your local community, I would encourage you to come along to one of the events.”
The event will be an opportunity to learn more about how the Council path in a field often deemed unconventional, embodying courage and resilience in the face of stereotypes.
“As we show appreciation to a bright soul, let us carry forth Chloe’s legacy – her unwavering determination, her compassionate spirit, and her boundless enthusiasm.”
supports its staff at work, for instance staff training, pension, benefits package and support for new staff.
It will also be a chance to chat to current Cyngor Gwynedd care staff.
Anyone interested in finding out more about working in either home is welcome to come for an informal chat. There is also information about this line of work on the Council website: gwynedd. llyw.cymru/dare2care