Full Breakdown
Tragic Death of Undertaker Sally Blundell at Norfolk Funeral Home
3/27/2026, 9:17:32 AM
Incident Overview
On December 1, 2023, Sally Blundell, a 58-year-old funeral administrator, was found crushed to death by a hydraulic scissor lift at the East of England Co-op Funeral Services branch in Swaffham, Norfolk. The incident occurred while she was working alone, and her body was discovered after a family arrived for a scheduled appointment but found no staff present. A colleague from a neighboring branch was alerted and subsequently found Blundell trapped beneath the equipment.
Circumstances of the Incident
Blundell was last seen on CCTV at 9:46 AM, and her body was discovered at 12:06 PM. The inquest revealed that she had been preparing for a family viewing that morning. Witness statements indicated that a customer, Dawn Salisbury, became concerned after waiting for about ten minutes without seeing any staff. She called the branch, which led to the arrival of Stephen Kemp from the Dereham branch, who found Blundell deceased.
Medical Findings
The medical cause of death was determined to be "contusion and compression of the chest by an external object." Expert testimony indicated that the hydraulic scissor lift, which was used to move bodies from refrigeration units, had a fault that caused it to descend unexpectedly. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that the control handle's return spring was not fully operational, which could have allowed the lift to lower without manual assistance.
Equipment Concerns and Investigations
Norfolk area coroner Yvonne Blake noted that the design of the lift's handle could lead to accidental activation if it were knocked against a solid object. The lift, manufactured in 2008, had been inspected just two months prior to the incident with no issues reported. However, the coroner expressed concerns about the equipment's safety and is considering issuing a Prevention of Future Deaths report to the manufacturer, A R Twigg and Son.
Criticism and Safety Concerns
Blundell's daughter, Lucy Blundell, stated that her mother had previously raised concerns about working alone, highlighting potential safety issues in the workplace. The inquest revealed that there were no CCTV cameras in sensitive areas of the funeral home where bodies are stored, raising questions about monitoring and safety protocols for staff working alone.
Official Statements
The East of England Co-op expressed deep sadness over the incident, emphasizing their condolences to Blundell's family and friends. Barrister Dominic Kay confirmed that the Co-op no longer uses the specific type of trolley involved in the accident.
Conclusion
The inquest into Sally Blundell's death concluded with a verdict of accidental death. The investigation has raised significant concerns regarding workplace safety, particularly for employees working alone in potentially hazardous environments. The coroner's ongoing considerations regarding equipment safety and staff training may lead to changes in industry practices to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
