![\"Shea](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1_RTP_SDR_170720_DrumpChapelWellDeath_042JPG.jpg\")
Shea Ryan died on July 16, 2020(Image: Daily Record)<\/p>\nShea Ryan, 10, died in the Garscadden Burn Outfall building site in Drumchapel after falling down an incomplete manhole.<\/p>\n
15:23, 05 Aug 2025Updated 17:11, 05 Aug 2025<\/p>\n
Shea Ryan died on July 16, 2020(Image: Daily Record)<\/p>\n
The tragic death of a schoolboy at a Glasgow building site could have been avoided, a Fatal Accident Inquiry<\/a> has ruled.<\/p>\n Shea Ryan, 10, died<\/a> on July 16, 2020 after he climbed through an unsecured fence within the Garscadden Burn Outfall building site in Drumchapel, Glasgow, and fell 20ft down an incomplete manhole.<\/p>\n The youngster died from a catastrophic head injury after the fall and in April 2023 contractor RJ McLeod were fined \u00a3800,000 for health and safety failings in relation to his death.<\/p>\n Now a ruling from Sheriff Stuart Reid, presiding over the inquiry at Glasgow Sheriff Court<\/a>, concluded that both the main contractor RJ McLeod (RJM) and joint venture Amey Black & Veatch (ABV) failed to take ‘reasonable and sufficient measures’ to protect the public from danger at the site.<\/p>\n The sheriff identified multiple precautions that could \u201crealistically have resulted in the accident and Shea\u2019s death being avoided<\/a>“.<\/p>\n On July 2 2020, before the site was temporarily transferred from ABV to RJM, a heavy ballast bag full of building material known as \u201cGrano\u201d placed on top of the manhole to prevent access was removed<\/a>.<\/p>\n ABV never notified RJM of this change, despite the repeated incidents of unauthorised access<\/a> by kids or damage to perimeter fencing at the site.<\/p>\n RJM also never took action to replace the ballast bag or secure, weigh down or fasten the cast-iron lid on top of the manhole. They also failed to inspect the manhole at the end of each working day.<\/p>\n Procurator Fiscal <\/a>Andy Shanks said: \u201cShea Ryan\u2019s tragic death has been a catastrophic loss for his family. They have my deepest sympathy as they continue to deal with the pain they have suffered.<\/p>\n \u201cShea\u2019s death occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry was instructed.<\/p>\n \u201cThe sheriff\u2019s determination is detailed and notes recommendations in relation to reasonable precautions that could have been taken to avoid Shea\u2019s death and identified learning to help avoid such incidents happening to other children in the future.<\/p>\n \u201cThis FAI followed a thorough and comprehensive investigation by the Procurator Fiscal who ensured that the full facts and circumstances of Shea\u2019s death were presented in evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n In light of the findings, Sheriff Reid made eight recommendations<\/a>. Seven were for the Health and Safety Executive in respect of reviewing existing practices, policies and procedure and to consider revising them.<\/p>\n These included a review of published guidance to protect<\/a> children, record incidents of perimeter breaches, prevent unauthorised access to incomplete manholes and promote cooperation and information sharing between principal contractors.<\/p>\n The eighth recommendation was that Glasgow City Council and other local authorities should review and consider revising practices<\/a>, procedures and policies to ensure that risk assessments are carried out for children\u2019s play parks where there are nearby construction sites.<\/p>\n Shea’s mum Joanne Ferguson paid tribute<\/a> in a statement in 2023: “My son is not here and that destroys me every day. That totally avoidable accident has ruined my life and my kid\u2019s lives \u2013 I don\u2019t even feel human anymore at times because of the grief.<\/p>\n \u201cWee Shea is missed every second of every day and his family and friends will always love and miss him.”<\/p>\n A spokesperson for Digby Brown Solicitors who represented the family of Shea Ryan said: \u201cThis determination shows Shea\u2019s death was an avoidable tragedy.<\/p>\n \u201cDespite concerns being raised about the unauthorised access at the site, the main contractors failed to take steps to secure it and deal with hazards which might have prevented Shea\u2019s death.<\/p>\n \u201cThere will never be the words that accurately describe the anger, pain and grief Shea\u2019s family are continuing to feel five years since that night.<\/p>\n \u201cThe recommendations by Sheriff Reid for the Health and Safety Executive to revise guidance to ensure the safety of children are welcome.<\/p>\n \u201cMaintaining perimeter fencing and properly securing manholes should already be an essential part of maintaining a construction site.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is hoped these changes will ensure contractors will share information about instances of unauthorised access, damage to perimeter fencing and other equipment will prevent any future harm or fatalities on construction sites.”<\/p>\n Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n![\"Shea](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_Drumchapel-death.jpg\")
Shea Ryan(Image: PA)<\/p>\n![\"Tributes](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_RTP_SDR_180720_ShayRyanTribute_005JPG.jpg\")
Tributes laid for Shea(Image: Daily Record)<\/p>\n![\"Police](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_RTP_SDR_170720_DrumpChapelWellDeath_016JPG.jpg\")
Police at the scene of the tragedy (Image: Daily Record)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/0_WACOMMUNITYQR3.jpg\")
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