A Bristol painter and decorator has been killed after tumbling from a ladder whilst fixing Union Jacks to lampposts near his home, an inquest has heard.
Paul Lumber, 61, had returned from watching Bristol City play on the evening of November 22 last year before heading out to erect the flags in Duckmoor Road, Bedminster.
The married tradesman, who was born in Bristol, had drunk several alcoholic beverages during the match.
Dr Simon Fox KC, assistant coroner for Avon, concluded on Thursday his death was accidental, noting he had consumed alcohol before his fall.
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Mr Lumber retrieved his work ladder from his van after arriving home at 7.30pm, his wife Michelle told the coroner's officer.
Residents in the street heard a loud bang and discovered the 61-year-old lying on the ground beside his ladder. They immediately dialled 999.
Mrs Lumber became aware of emergency sirens across the road and found paramedics treating her husband, with a Union flag visible on a nearby lamppost.
A CT scan at Southmead Hospital revealed extensive head injuries including a skull fracture. Despite undergoing two surgical procedures, Mr Lumber's condition worsened and he died on 6 December. His cause of death was recorded as traumatic brain injury.
Paul Lumber was killed after falling from a ladder while tying Union Jack flags to lamp posts
Delivering his conclusion, the coroner stated: "Mr Lumber fell from a ladder while tying a Union Jack flag to a lamppost at night after consuming alcohol."
He was a well-known Bristol City supporter who also followed England with dedication. He penned two volumes about football hooliganism entitled "It All Kicked Off In Bristol", drawing on his own experiences.
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Britons have been putting up English flags across the country in a new patriotic campaign | PAFollowing his death, a close friend described him to BristolLive as someone whose "world revolved around those he loved", adding that he "followed both club and country with unwavering devotion".
His family confirmed they had no concerns regarding the care or treatment he received.
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