Birmingham City Fan Paul Pike May Have Fallen in River After Stadium Removal
Tragic Birmingham City fan Paul Pike could have accidentally fallen into a river after being removed from a football ground by stewards, an inquest has heard. The 18-year-old was found dead in the River Derwent in Derby on March 29, more than a week after he travelled to watch Blues play at nearby Pride Park.
Coroner Outlines Potential Scenario for the Incident
Coroner Anita Davies told Chesterfield Coroner's Court on Wednesday, April 22, that a potential scenario was that he had dropped some belongings and fallen into the water while trying to retrieve them. She said Mr Pike was earlier "removed" from the stadium and "handed to police due to a ticket issue" on March 21.
She explained that he spoke to officers and told them to leave him alone using vulgar language. "He left saying his method to get home was by train," Ms Davies added.
CCTV Footage Shows Intoxicated State
CCTV footage obtained showed a male identified as Mr Pike to be under the influence of unknown substances as he appeared to be stumbling. Video showed the teenager in a "suspected intoxicated" state as he walked on a path, the court heard.
The coroner suggested Mr Pike had made an "accidental entry" into the river, and there had been no outgoing calls or texts made to friends or family after he left the stadium.
Personal Items Found Along River Bank
His mobile phone, hat and Santander bank card were all found along the river bank before his body was discovered. "A potential hypothesis is that he lost footing and fell into the bushes, dropped his items and fell during the attempt to retrieve them," Ms Davies said.
Adjourning the inquest to a later date to allow for further evidence to be obtained, she expressed her condolences: "I would like to express my condolences to the family for their loss."
