On December 1, 2023, Sally Blundell, a 58-year-old funeral administrator working at the East of England Co-op Funeral Services in Swaffham, Norfolk, UK, was tragically killed during a workplace accident. She suffered extreme chest injuries when an “external object” crushed her, leading to her immediate death. Despite the arrival of emergency services and an air ambulance, Blundell was declared dead at the scene.

An inquest into the accident started on January 5, 2024, in the Norfolk Coroners’ Court. The medical cause of death, as presented by Pathologist Laszlo Igali, was identified as “contusion and compression of the chest by an external object.”

Although complete details of the incident are yet to be disclosed, there are ongoing discussions suggesting a hoist, commonly used in funeral services for lifting heavy objects, may have been involved. The exact role and nature of this equipment in the incident remain unconfirmed.

The incident has been officially classified as an accident by the local investigative authorities.

Blundell had been with the Swaffham branch of the funeral home for over eight years. Her untimely death led the company to release a statement acknowledging her valuable contributions and dedicated service to the community. They offered their profound condolences to Blundell’s grieving family and friends, highlighting the magnitude of their loss.

In the wake of the accident, operations at the Swaffham branch of the funeral service were temporarily halted. This closure was a mark of respect for Blundell and allowed for the initial stages of the investigation into the tragic event.

Senior Coroner Jacqueline Lake of Norfolk has scheduled a follow-up hearing for April 5, 2024. The purpose of this hearing is to delve deeper into the complex details surrounding Blundell’s death.

The ongoing investigation involves several local authorities, including the Norfolk Constabulary and Breckland Council. A key focus of the council’s investigative efforts is evaluating health and safety standards and practices, given the nature of Blundell’s accident. However, the council has refrained from issuing any further comments in light of the ongoing investigation.

The funeral home has fully cooperated with the investigative authorities, though they have refrained from making immediate public comments regarding the incident.