Mr Lumber’s wife, Michelle, confirmed he “been to watch Bristol City play football and had consumed several alcoholic drinks”
An inquest heard how a painter and decorator sustained fatal head injuries after he fell from ladder. Paul John Lumber had been tying a Union Jack flag to a lamppost when he fell.
Lumber, 61, had gone out near his home in Duckmore Road in Bristol to tie flags onto lampposts after attending a football match. The Coroner’s officer Mr Andrew Eastwood said in a statement that Mr Lumber’s wife, Michelle, confirmed he “been to watch Bristol City play football and had consumed several alcoholic drinks”.
He had returned home at 7.30pm and took the key to his van, where he kept his work ladder, before leaving their home. Neighbours heard a loud bang and rushed outside where they discovered Mr Lumber on the ground with his ladder.
The neighbours called 999 as they could see Mr Lumber had a head injury. Mrs Lumber later heard the sirens across the road and went outside to find her husband being treated by paramedics on the evening of November 22, 2025.
Avon Coroner’s Court heard that Mr Lumber was taken to Southmead Hospital for surgery but his condition deteriorated. He died on December 6.
Dr Simon Fox KC, assistant coroner for Avon, reached a conclusion of accidental death following a short hearing on Thursday. The coroner explained: “Mr Lumber fell from a ladder while tying a Union Jack flag to a lamppost at night after consuming alcohol.”
A statement by coroner’s officer Andrew Eastwood was read during the inquest. He confirmed that Mr Lumber lived in Duckmoor Road, had been born in the city and was a married painter and decorator.
Mr Lumber had been a fan of Bristol City FC and written two books about his experiences. The two volumes, titled It All Kicked Off In Bristol, explored football hooliganism.
Dr Richard Moon, who works in the neurosurgery department at Southmead Hospital, said Mr Lumber was reported to have fallen from a ladder. The extensive injuries included a skull fracture that was revealed by CCTV.
Mr Lumber underwent two operations but later died. His cause of death was recorded as traumatic brain injury and a fall.
Mr Eastwood told the inquest: “The family have no concerns regarding any of the care or treatment provided.”
Following his death, a close friend paid tribute to him to BristolLive as a Bristol City and England supporter who “followed both club and country with unwavering devotion”.
They added: “Friends described him as a man whose world revolved around those he loved.”
