Coroner warns of potential risks following the accidental asphyxia of Helen Davey, 39, in her Seaham home

A tragic incident involving a defective Ottoman-style bed has led to the death of 39-year-old Helen Davey, whose life was cut short after the bed fell and trapped her. This heartbreaking event occurred in her home in Seaham, County Durham, and has raised serious safety concerns regarding similar bed designs.

According to a coroner’s report, Davey was leaning over the bed’s storage area when the gas-lifted section unexpectedly descended. The sudden drop trapped her neck against the base of the bed, rendering her unable to escape. The beautician was later found lying on her back with her head underneath the bed by her daughter, Elizabeth, who attempted to rescue her.

During the inquest held at Crook Coroners’ Court, Jeremy Chipperfield, the coroner for Durham and Darlington, determined that Ms. Davey’s death was accidental. He revealed that one of the two gas pistons used for lifting the bed was defective, which contributed to the tragic accident. “The deceased was leaning over the storage area of an Ottoman-styled ‘gas-lift bed’ when the mattress platform descended unexpectedly, trapping her neck against the upper surface of the side panel of the bed’s base,” he stated.

Chipperfield further explained that Davey succumbed to positional asphyxia due to her inability to free herself from the entrapment. In his report to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and the Office of Product Safety and Standards, he emphasized the importance of addressing the safety issues surrounding these types of beds to prevent similar incidents in the future. “Unless action is taken, there is a risk that future deaths could occur,” he cautioned.

This case has shed light on the potential dangers posed by faulty furniture and the need for rigorous safety standards in the manufacturing of household items. As investigations continue, families are urged to ensure that their homes are safe and that any potentially hazardous items are reported and recalled as necessary.

Helen Davey’s tragic death serves as a grim reminder of the importance of product safety and the vigilance required when it comes to home furnishings. Her family and friends are left to mourn her passing, and the coroner’s recommendations could lead to crucial changes in the industry to prevent future tragedies.