Misadventure verdict on death of Huddersfield rock climber Lawrence Walker

Aug 20 2009 by Katie Grant, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

“It’s hard for me to know that a young guy died.”

Tragically Lawrence was pronounced dead at the scene while Alex and the French casualty were taken away by helicopter.

Coroner Roger Whittaker said Lawrence had died doing what he loved best.

Lawrence’s dad Richard said he and his family had many precious photos of Lawrence rock climbing with a ‘big smile on his face’.

He said: “He was doing what he really, really enjoyed.”

Richard explained his son’s death had been a ‘freak accident’ and no-one was to blame.

He added: “It could have happened any possible way.

“The French climbers could have gone first – they could have gone round the other way.

“It could have happened differently – it’s just a freak accident.”

Richard said Alex was recovering well and was able to come to his best friend’s memorial service.

He said: “Our biggest concern is that he doesn’t feel any blame.

“Lawrence has suddenly died and we’ve got to live with that.

“We don’t want Alex to feel it was in any way his fault.”

Coroner Roger Whittaker said Lawrence died from head and leg injuries and recorded a verdict of misadventure.