Paul John Lumber, 61, was putting up flags near his home in Bristol after attending a football match when he fell from his ladder – he was later pronounced dead
19:05, 22 Jan 2026Updated 19:28, 22 Jan 2026
Paul Lumber died after falling from a ladder while hanging Union Jack flags on lampposts near his home(Image: Supplied)
A painter and decorator suffered fatal head injuries after tumbling from a ladder whilst securing a Union flag to a lamppost, an inquest was told. Paul John Lumber, 61, had ventured out close to his Duckmoor Road home in Bristol to put up flags on lampposts following a football match.
Avon Coroner’s Court heard how residents heard a loud bang before finding Mr Lumber on the pavement, with his ladder beside him, on the evening of November 22 last year.
The married Mr Lumber was rushed to Southmead Hospital where he had an operation, but his health worsened and he passed away on December 6. Dr Simon Fox KC, assistant coroner for Avon, concluded accidental death after a brief hearing on Thursday.
Paul Lumber has wrote about his beloved team(Image: Fort Publishing 2017)
The coroner stated: “Mr Lumber fell from a ladder while tying a Union Jack flag to a lamppost at night after consuming alcohol.”
At the inquest, coroner’s officer Andrew Eastwood’s statement was read out. He verified that Mr Lumber resided in Duckmoor Road in Bristol, was born in the city and worked as a married painter and decorator.
Mr Lumber was a devoted Bristol City FC supporter who penned two books about his experiences. The pair of volumes, called It All Kicked Off In Bristol, delved into football hooliganism.
Dr Richard Moon, from the neurosurgery unit at Southmead Hospital, confirmed Mr Lumber was reported to have plummeted from a ladder on November 22 last year. A CT scan revealed severe head trauma, including a fractured skull.
Mr Lumber endured two surgical procedures but subsequently passed away. The cause of death was listed as traumatic brain injury sustained from a fall.
In his statement, Mr Eastwood revealed he had spoken with Mr Lumber’s widow Michelle, who explained her husband had “been to watch Bristol City play football and had consumed several alcoholic drinks”.
He arrived home at 7.30pm and collected the key to his van – where he stored his work ladder – before departing their residence.
Mrs Lumber later noticed sirens from across the street and ventured outside to discover her husband receiving emergency treatment from paramedics, with his ladder close by and a Union flag hanging from a lamppost.
Local residents had dialled 999 after hearing a loud crash and finding Mr Lumber on the pavement with a head wound.
According to Mr Eastwood’s statement, paramedic records noted that Mr Lumber had left his house “to put up flags around the neighbourhood”.
Mr Eastwood informed the inquest: “The family have no concerns regarding any of the care or treatment provided.”
After his passing, a dear mate paid homage to him via BristolLive, describing him as a Bristol City and England fan who “followed both club and country with unwavering devotion”.
They continued: “Friends described him as a man whose world revolved around those he loved.”