Gamekeeper dies in fall trying to calm spaniel
A GAMEKEEPER died after falling off a trailer while trying to calm his amorous dog, an inquest heard.
Tony Drew, 64, was taking part in a pheasant shoot in Devon when his cocker spaniel Rolo tried to mount another dog.
Married Mr Drew lost his balance and fell under the wheels. He was airlifted to hospital in Plymouth following the accident in Clayhidon in December 2016.
Mr Drew was transferred to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital but died four months later from respiratory failure. Ray Smith, who was on the trailer, said: “I saw Tony place his foot on the bale to pull the dog. He put his foot in mid air and fell backwards off the side.”
Philip Spinney, senior coroner for Exeter and Greater Devon, said it was “plainly a terrible accident”.
Verdict: Accident.