Newbury Weekly News
Dated 27th April 1905
DROWNED IN A FIT
SAD DEATH AT NEWBURY
A man named William Benjamin Bricknell met with his death on Thursday morning under sad circumstances. He was 39 years of age, and for some eighteen years had been living with his uncle, Joseph Barson, a former member of the Berkshire Constabulary. Bricknell was paralysed in infancy, and although his bodily health was generally good, he was subject to epileptic fits, which rendered him unfit for any regular occupation.
On Thursday morning he was employed by Mr. Parfitt, of the Mount, to carry some poles across a meadow near his residence. He was assisted by Archibald Parsons, groom, and all went well till about ten o’clock. Parsons then left for a short time to go to the stable, and on returning was horrified to find Bricknell lying on his back in a pond in the meadow, the water in which was only eighteen inches in depth. He promptly waded into the water, and dragged Bricknell to the bank. He shouted for help, and Mr. Frank Bennett, who was close at hand, at once ran to his assistance. Being a member of the Volunteer Fire Brigade, Mr. Bennett was well versed in the principles of first aid. He dispatched Parsons for Brandy and a Doctor, and himself meanwhile used artificial respiration in the hope of restoring animation. But death had taken place before help arrived, although Parsons considered he was not absent for more than five or six minutes. Dr. Wyllie, however, said in the case of epileptic fits death ensured very quickly. Had the man only fallen on his face on wet grass it was more that likely that death would have resulted. In this instance death was caused by asphyxiation through an epileptic fit aggravated by falling in the water. The inquest rendered necessary, was held on Thursday evening before the Borough Coroner (Dr. Watson J. P.) and a jury of whom Mr. James Baverstock was foreman. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and commended Mr. Frank Bennett for the promptness with which he responded to the call for help, and the steps he took to restore life. |
