Scout leader dies in a freak accident (From Stourbridge News)

Scout leader dies in a freak accident

11:24am Monday 18th February 2008 in Local

A FORMER Wordsley scout leader who was found dead in his bathroom after a small fire died as a result of a tragic accident.

An inquest heard how John Timmins, aged 56 from Mount Road was found by his friend, John Owen from Kingswinford on Tuesday October 9.

The hearing at Dudley Coroners Court on Wednesday February 13 heard how Mr Timmins who was a smoker and suffered from type one diabetes, was found lying on the floor on his downstairs bathroom, with no clothes on with burns covering his body.

He was surrounded by signs of fire and smoke damage indicating a blaze had taken place, there was also a disposable lighter nearby.

Mr Owen said: "We had known each other for 11 or 12 years at least and had met through scouting , we had both been scout leaders.

"He was kind hearted, confident and he talked regularly about his family and enjoyed the outside.

"I went round his house on October 9 I think at around 5pm, I wouldn't normally wouldn't visit him in the week but something made me go that day, I was going to arrange a fishing trip."

The court heard West Midlands fire investigation officer of over 23 years, Peter Smith read his report of his investigation of the circumstances surrounding Mr Timmins death.

He said: "In my opinion the fire started as an accident, Mr Timmins dropping a lit cigarette."

He told the court there was no smoke detectors fitted in the house and there may have been a different out come if there had been, as the smoke from the fire would have raised the alarm which neighbours may have heard.

Confusion surrounds why Mr Timmins was not able to save himself when the fire started, it is thought he may have slipped into a diabetic coma.

Black Country coroner Robin Balmain said: "It seems to me this was not suspicious and Mr Timmins suffered from a medical problem and was not able to save himself."

Mr Balmain recorded a verdict of accidental death.