Body of missing student, 21, found in canal as coroner warns ‘more could die’
Body of missing student, 21, found in canal as coroner warns ‘more could die’
William Webb, 21, from Lancashire, accidentally fell into a canal after drinking with friends
The student was reported missing when he failed to come home after he had been out drinking with friends(Image: Cheshire Constabulary)
A coroner has urged for the introduction of canal safety measures following the accidental death of a student after a night out. William Webb, 21, from Baxenden near Accrington, Lancashire, was reported missing when he failed to return home after drinking with friends in Chester on November 22.
The University of Chester student’s body was discovered the following day in the Shropshire Union canal in Chester, close to student accommodation in the city.
An inquest held last month heard that CCTV footage showed Mr Webb walking along a path which runs alongside the canal at around 4.30am on November 23 before “likely accidentally falling into the canal”.
Victoria Davies, area coroner for Cheshire, said her investigation had found ‘matters of concern’ as she issued a prevention of future deaths report to the Canal & River Trust.
She highlighted there was ‘no safety equipment’ which could assist someone in the water, and that the distance between the water level and the ground edge would make it difficult to get out unaided.
Ms Davies said there was also no signage nearby to alert people to the potential risks. “Whilst this is a generalisation and is by no means all students, students as a group are within the demographic of people who will attend the bars, pubs and nightclubs of Chester and become inebriated to varying degrees,” she added.
“Once under the influence of alcohol, or perhaps another substance, it is then not inconceivable that they then take less care/are more willing to engage in risky behaviours. The canal is near to their accommodation which makes it more likely that they will be in that area.”
The student was reported missing when he failed to come home after he had been out drinking with friends(Image: Cheshire Constabulary
Ms Davies concluded: “In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.”
In a statement, the Canals & River Trust said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of William Webb following his tragic death last November. Our charity will carefully consider and respond to the notice received from the coroner.
“Working alongside partners and building upon experience across the national canal network, water safety is, and always will be, a priority for the Trust.”
