Cliff fall killed my pal as we toasted end of exams
A WOMAN told yesterday how her best friend was killed by a falling rock as they drank sparkling wine on a beach to celebrate the end of exams.
Martha Ormerod, 25, said she was picnicking with Georgina Le Fjord, 23, when the accident happened.
She told an inquest: “I heard a noise behind me that sounded like rocks falling and I saw some begin to fall from the cliff face.
“I turned round and saw Georgie lying on her front with her arms in front of her. I called her name and started to turn her over.
“I noticed that the side of her head was smashed and she had bitten her tongue. I was shocked by the sight.”
The pair were close to cliffs at Llantwit Major, South Wales.
Ms Ormerod told an inquest in Cardiff: “I suggested that we take my dog Buster down to the beach. We bought some baguettes, cheese and a bottle of prosecco.
“I let my dog off the lead and we sat on two rocks which were flat and close together so we could talk.”
The rock fell 20ft on to the spot where they were picnicking, around 15ft from the foot of the cliffs.
The inquest heard how Ms Ormerod carried out chest compressions and mouth- to- mouth resuscitation in an attempt to revive her friend. She was helped by onlookers. Georgina – also known as Georgie Ford – grew up in Salisbury, Wiltshire, before moving to Llantwit Major.
Verdict: Accidental death.