A 39-year-old beauty salon owner, Helen Davey, tragically lost her life after a malfunctioning ottoman bed fell on her neck, leading to asphyxiation.
This heartbreaking incident occurred in June and has prompted serious concerns about the safety of such beds.
According to coroner Jeremy Chipperfield’s report, Davey was leaning over the storage area of her gas-lift ottoman bed when the mattress platform suddenly collapsed.
This unexpected failure trapped her neck against the bed’s side panel, rendering her unable to escape. Chipperfield noted that one of the gas-lift pistons was defective, contributing to the accident.
Ottoman beds, designed for efficient storage, have become popular for their practicality, allowing homeowners to stow away bedding and seasonal clothing.
However, this incident raises alarms about their safety mechanisms.
Chipperfield highlighted the potential for future tragedies unless action is taken to address the risks associated with faulty gas-lift systems.
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The tragic scene was discovered by Davey’s daughter, Elizabeth, who recounted the harrowing experience in court.
She found her mother lying on her back with her head trapped under the bed, legs bent as if she were trying to escape.
Despite her efforts to lift the heavy frame, Elizabeth feared the worst as she noticed her mother’s blue face and neck indentation.
After calling for help and performing CPR, she realized the severity of the situation.
Chipperfield has written to Britain’s business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, urging action on the dangerous risks posed by defective gas-lift mechanisms.
His warning echoes concerns raised by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), which reported that in 2022, 147 people died from falls related to beds, while another 18 deaths were attributed to accidental suffocation or strangulation.
As this tragic story unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for rigorous safety standards in household furniture.