A British tourist died after sitting on a window sill and ‘falling backwards’ on a family holiday in Amsterdam, an inquest has heard.
Ben Roberts, 24, was in Netherlands when the tragic accident took place on May 13 last year.
He was taken to hospital but died the next day, with police ruling out any third party involvement.
A coroner’s court in south London has now ruled the death was an accident after finding ‘details of the circumstances surrounding Mr Roberts’ death were scant’.
Mr Roberts’ heartbroken mother Kerry said: ‘I can’t describe our loss, we are heartbroken. As Ben’s mum, part of me died the day he did.’
Assistant coroner Victoria Webb also read out a series of statements given following the 26-year-old’s death including information given by his father David Taylor, of Beckenham, south London.
Ms Webb told the inquest in Croydon: ‘The family were in Amsterdam. All David could tell me was that Ben fell backwards out of a first floor window.
‘Ben sat on a window sill and fell backwards, it was a complete accident.
Ben Roberts (pictured), 24, was in Netherlands when the tragic accident took place on May 13 last year
A British tourist died after sitting on a window sill and ‘falling backwards’ on a family holiday in Amsterdam (file image: Amsterdam)
‘Police in Amsterdam ruled out any third party involvement.
‘He donated some of his organs prior to being repatriated to the UK.’
Friends of Mr Roberts’ family donated almost £17,000 towards his funeral and to fly his body home as no travel insurance was in place at the time of the accident.
A post mortem was then carried out at Croydon University Hospital.
Dr Hiam Ali, who carried out the post mortem, said he found extensive skull fractures, fractured ribs, severe bruising to the right foot, and some of the scalp on the right side was missing.
He put the cause of death down to head injuries in keeping with a fall from height.
It was not explained who Mr Roberts, who lived in Bromley, south London, had been with at the time of his fall or whether it was in a hotel.
After his death, friends raised almost £17,000 to help the family via a GoFundMe appeal.
The assistant coroner said: ‘Ben was taken to hospital in Amsterdam where he died on May 14th 2024’ (file image)
Organiser Fay Trower said: ‘We’re raising funds on behalf of our beloved friend Kerry, Ben’s mum.
‘Ben’s life was cut tragically short on Tuesday 14th May 2024 following a terrible accident whilst on holiday in Amsterdam.
‘Ben was only 24 and had his whole life ahead of him. He was a handsome, kind, funny and caring young man with a heart of gold, who adored his mum and family.
‘He was an amazing son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin, whose family meant the world to him and he was loved by everyone that knew him.’
She added staff in the Netherlands had given Mr Roberts ‘the most amazing care’ and showing ‘nothing but love, support and compassion’.
A message from Robert’s mother read: ‘To all you amazing beautiful people. I can’t describe our loss, we are heartbroken.
‘As Ben’s mum, part of me died the day he did.
‘We are proud people and money was the last thing we were thinking about, but you amazing people with your kind words and donations mean more than words can ever say.
‘Ben was adored by every person he met, he was kind, loving and so very special.
‘He had a way with people that I have never seen before and he lit up any room he walked in.
‘He lived and loved life to the fullest and he was the most amazing person in the world.’
In her summing up, assistant coroner Ms Webb said: ‘Ben Roberts was 24 years old when he died unexpectedly in Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
‘According to his GP notes he was fit and well.
‘On the day prior to May 14th Ben fell backwards out of a first floor window.
‘This was a complete accident and no third party was involved.
‘Ben was taken to hospital in Amsterdam where he died on May 14th 2024 having donated five organs – his heart, liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys.
‘The officials in Amsterdam said Ben died of an accident. When Ben’s body had been transported back to the UK it underwent a post mortem.
‘It was limited in its findings due to the fact of organ donation and due to the body being embalmed, but in Ben’s case all the evidence points to a fatal fall.
‘There is no evidence to suggest the fall was in any way suspicious or intentional.
‘I should add that if information comes to light casting doubt on this finding it should be brought to the coroner’s officer’s attention and this inquest can be reopened if necessary.’
