St Albans City FC death investigated by Health & Safety Executive
Clive Churchhouse, who died in July after falling from the roof of St Albans City FC. Photo: SACFC - Credit: Archant
The investigation into the death of a St Albans City Football Club volunteer has been handed over to the Health and Safety Executive.
Clive Churchhouse, 71, died on Tuesday, July 18, after falling from the roof of the club’s stand in Clarence Park.
He was airlifted to St George’s Hospital in London, but died later that afternoon.
The tragedy was initially investigated by St Albans district council as they are the enforcing authority for health and safety at leisure facilities, such as sports grounds, in the district, but it is now being examined by HSE.
A spokesperson said: “HSE has recently taken primacy of an investigation following the death of a man at St Albans City Football Club.
“We are currently reviewing the material collected by Herts Police, who initially attended the incident, and St Albans council.
“Our thoughts are with the man’s family. We have already contacted them to explain HSE’s role and the current status of the investigation.”
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SACFC’s chairman Lawrence Levy said at the time he was “devastated” by Clive’s death, adding: “Clive was a much-loved character around the club with a big personality.”
A spokesperson for the club said: “The Herts Ad contacted the club regarding its opinion on the decision to refer the matter to HSE. The club spokesman said that no one at the club had been informed of this so could not comment.”
Born and bred in St Albans, and latterly of Redbourn, Mr Churchhouse had volunteered at SACFC for over 50 years. He made tea and coffee for the players during half-time, and bacon sandwiches for when they played away.
A date for an inquest into Mr Churchhouse’s death has yet to be confirmed.
