A petition with over 40,000 signatures calls for a coroner’s inquest into the death of Matthew Campbell, who died after a tree fell during Storm Ali in 2018. The family pushes for legislative changes amid fines for safety breaches by the council and construction firm.
A petition demanding an inquest into the tragic death of 24-year-old engineer Matthew Campbell has captured widespread attention, amassing over 40,000 signatures. Campbell was fatally injured when a 200-year-old beech tree fell during Storm Ali in September 2018 at Slieve Gullion Forest Park, where he was working as an electrician for Lagan Construction. At the time of the accident, Campbell, who had recently sent out wedding invitations, was just moments away from leaving the site. The loss is compounded by the fact that his fiancée, Robyn Newberry, had collected their wedding rings on that fateful day.
In the aftermath of the incident, both Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Lagan Construction acknowledged significant health and safety lapses, resulting in fines of £50,000. The council admitted to failing to conduct adequate risk assessments, while Lagan Construction faced charges related to the same circumstances just before their planned trial in January 2024. These admissions underscore a systemic disregard for worker safety in adverse weather conditions.
The Campbell family, grappling with profound grief over their son’s untimely demise, has expressed frustration at the lack of conclusive investigation into his death. They have sought a coroner’s inquest to answer lingering questions and ensure accountability, emphasising that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have both deferred responsibility to the Coroner’s Office, which has deemed an inquest “unnecessary” because the case was already examined as part of the criminal proceedings.
Mark Campbell, Matthew’s father, articulated the family’s feelings of being stonewalled by authorities: “The family have no interest in another court case, but we have lots of questions about what actually happened that day and the days, weeks and months after. We are with UNITE Union also campaigning for legislative change to protect workers who work in adverse weather conditions.” This increased focus on legislative reform comes as the Campbell family seeks assurance that such tragedies will not repeat.
The devastating impact of Matthew’s death resonates not only with his immediate family but within the wider community. Family members have shared their pride in his achievements and the toll of his absence. Speaking about the longstanding grief caused by this loss, they have emphasised the importance of securing legal changes that could significantly enhance worker safety. In a poignant reminder of their commitment to this cause, the Campbell family has also raised £25,000 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, acknowledging its vital role in emergency services.
This petition, driven by a desire for transparency and justice, speaks volumes about the collective concern for worker safety, especially during extreme weather events. The community’s support signifies a broader recognition that genuine accountability must accompany tragedies like Matthew Campbell’s, ensuring that future workers are protected from similar risks.
As the Campbell family continues to advocate for an inquest, they represent not only their quest for answers but also a larger movement aimed at safeguarding lives in the workplace. Their struggle embodies the urgent need for comprehensive reforms that would hold both employers and regulatory bodies accountable, thereby ensuring the safety of all workers vulnerable to the unpredictable forces of nature.
Reference Map
- Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Paragraphs 2, 3, 5, 6
- Paragraphs 1, 4, 6
- Paragraph 1, 4
- Paragraphs 4, 5
- Paragraphs 2, 6
- Paragraphs 1, 3, 5
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.irishnews.com/news/northern-ireland/petition-for-inquest-to-be-held-into-engineers-storm-death-gathers-40000-signatures-EOC4AIUVQRAFRCLNJO6ZLGJBW4/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.irishnews.com/news/northern-ireland/petition-for-inquest-to-be-held-into-engineers-storm-death-gathers-40000-signatures-EOC4AIUVQRAFRCLNJO6ZLGJBW4/ – A petition calling for an inquest into the death of 24-year-old engineer Matthew Campbell, who was killed by a falling tree during Storm Ali in September 2018, has garnered over 40,000 signatures. The incident occurred at Slieve Gullion Forest Park, where Campbell was working as an electrician. Following the tragedy, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Lagan Construction admitted health and safety failings, resulting in fines totaling £50,000. The Campbell family seeks a coroner’s inquest to address concerns about the initial investigation and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
- https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/family-of-engineer-who-died-during-storm-we-are-as-good-as-we-can-be-but-we-miss-matthew-every-day/a533521504.html – The family of Matthew Campbell, the 24-year-old engineer killed by a falling tree during Storm Ali in September 2018, expressed their ongoing grief and pride in his achievements. They highlighted the health and safety failings that led to his death and the subsequent fines imposed on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Lagan Construction Ltd. The family emphasized their desire for legislative changes to protect workers in adverse weather conditions and their commitment to ensuring such a tragedy does not recur.
- https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/storm-ali-victim-matt-campbell-died-doing-the-job-he-loved/37349919.html – Matthew Campbell, a 24-year-old electrician from Glengormley, tragically died after being struck by a falling tree during Storm Ali in September 2018. He was working for Lagan Construction at Slieve Gullion Forest Park near Newry. Hundreds of family, friends, and colleagues attended his funeral, where his father, Mark Campbell, paid tribute to his son’s positive outlook on life and dedication to his work. The family expressed their devastation and pride in Matthew’s achievements, highlighting the profound impact of his loss.
- https://www.change.org/p/we-want-a-coroners-inquest-into-the-death-of-our-24-year-old-son – The Campbell family initiated an online petition seeking a coroner’s inquest into the death of their 24-year-old son, Matthew Campbell, who was killed by a falling tree during Storm Ali in September 2018. The petition highlights concerns about the initial investigation and aims to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future. The family emphasizes the need for transparency and justice regarding the circumstances surrounding Matthew’s death.
- https://www.northernirelandworld.com/news/people/devastated-family-raises-much-needed-funds-for-air-ambulance-2031204 – Following the tragic death of their son, Matthew Campbell, the Campbell family raised £25,000 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI). Matthew, a 24-year-old electrician, was killed by a falling tree during Storm Ali in September 2018. The family chose to support AANI in his memory, acknowledging the critical service the charity provides. They expressed hope that the funds raised would contribute to saving lives in the future.
- https://www.irishnews.com/news/northern-ireland/father-of-belfast-man-killed-by-falling-tree-in-storm-pleads-for-inquest-into-his-death-YEH32EFGPJEBNAFZJNGEQ3CNYY/ – Mark Campbell, father of 24-year-old Matthew Campbell, who was killed by a falling tree during Storm Ali in September 2018, has called for an inquest into his son’s death. The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) initially refused to attend the scene and investigate, leading to public concern. After a campaign by the family and Unite Union, HSENI conducted an investigation in February 2020. The family seeks further clarity and accountability regarding the circumstances of Matthew’s death.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The incident occurred in 2018, but the petition is recent, indicating ongoing relevance. The narrative references a trial planned for January 2024, suggesting updates in the case.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quote from Mark Campbell is unique and could not be found in earlier publications. This suggests it is an original quote likely from an interview or statement related to the ongoing petition.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Irish News, a reputable local publication known for its fact-based reporting.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the accident, fines, and the family’s call for an inquest are plausible and align with typical legal and community responses to such tragedies.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is well-supported by recent developments in the case and includes original quotes, making it plausible and credible. The Irish News is a reliable outlet for local news, which adds to the overall credibility.
