Inquest opens into death of man after fall on An Teallach
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By Craig McGlasson
A retired financial director died in hospital — two days after his birthday — having sustained multiple injuries in a fall on An Teallach in Wester Ross.
An inquest into the death of 66-year-old Roy Frederick Wiles, who lived at Windermere in the Lake District, was formally opened at Cockermouth Coroners’ Court, Cumbria.
During a short inquest hearing, area county coroner Kirsty Gomersal outlined some brief circumstances surrounding Mr Wiles’ death.
“He sustained a fall while hill walking in Scotland and died on September 5, 2023, at Raigmore Hospital, Old Perth Road, Inverness,” noted Ms Gomersal. “The death was reported to the Scottish procurator fiscal.”
A cause of death for Mr Wiles was offered, said the coroner, as multiple injuries and a fall while hill walking. His death was registered in Scotland before his body was repatriated to England for his funeral, the inquest was told.
Born in Wandsworth, Surrey, Mr Wiles had lived in Windermere, was married and was a retired financial director. He had died just two days after his 66th birthday.
“I am now going to exercise my discretion,” said Ms Gomersal, “to suspend the coronial investigation into Mr Wiles’ death in order that reports can be obtained from the relevant authorities in Scotland.”
A provisional date for a full inquest hearing has been listed for March 5, 2024, although Ms Gomersal said it was unlikely that date would be effective due to that suspension.
A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said after the inquest opening: “The Procurator Fiscal has received a report in connection with the death of a 66-year-old man on An Teallach, Wester Ross, on September 5, 2023.
“The (COPFS) investigation into the death is ongoing and the family will be kept updated in relation to any significant developments."
