A young man preparing for a half marathon died instantly after a ‘rare and complex sequence of events’ left a lethal power line dangling in his path
A runner died instantly after he was electrocuted by a low hanging cable while out jogging, prompting a desperate search by his worried family, an inquest has heard.
John Henry Oates, 29, was found dead on October 27, 2023 in Lupton, near Kendal, Cumbria. The four-day inquest into his death was concluded on Tuesday by Coroner Kirsty Gomersal, reports The Sun.
The court heard that a “rare and complex sequence of events” led to the tragic jogger’s death. The fault with the cable had occurred two days before his death but remained undetected in what the electricity authority called an “unforeseeable” accident.
Mr Oates, known to friends and family as Harry, left the house for a jog as part of his training for an upcoming half-marathon.
But when he failed to return home, the alarm was raised, and his family launched a desperate search. His body was eventually found by his father, the inquest heard.
Harry had been living in Bristol at the time of his death and had just had an offer on his first flat accepted.
His mother, Rosalind Oates, read out a statement after the inquest. “We would like to take this opportunity to pay brief tribute to Harry,” she said.
“He was a loving and deeply loved son, and best friend and inspirational, caring brother to Charlie. Harry was treasured by our wider family and his many friends, to whom he was fiercely loyal.
“We are very proud of Harry’s many achievements before his life was snatched from him. His greatest achievement was that of the kind, compassionate and professional young man he had become.
“Harry’s tragic death has devastated our lives. His absence is felt constantly, and we miss him beyond words.”
Mr Oates’ father, Malcolm Oates, read out a statement to the court describing his son as “a very approachable and friendly person, energetic and fond of outdoor activities.”
Paul Killilea, from Electricity North West, told the court there had been a rare situation involving simultaneous faults with one of their poles.
These faults led to a cable dropping low enough to the ground to make contact with Mr Oates. The resulting shock killed him instantly.
An investigation by the power company found that the fault with the cable had occurred two days before Mr Oates’ death but went undetected.
Jeffery Fisher, from the Health and Safety Executive, told the coroner the company acted appropriately. He said the incident was “a very unique set of circumstances, but unlikely, and unforeseeable.”
A spokesperson for Electricity North West told ITV News: “Our heartfelt sympathies remain with Harry Oates’ family at this time.
“This was a tragic incident which both the coroner and Health and Safety Executive noted involved a rare and complex sequence of events that were unforeseeable.
“Safety is our number one value, and we will continue to work with other distribution network operators and the industry trade body, ENA, on learnings from this immensely sad accident.”
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