An inquest in Wells, Somerset heard that Jennifer Selwood, 69, tragically passed away after being hit on the head by a rugby ball while watching her grandson play at Taunton RFC in Somerset in January 2020. The impact resulted in a bleed on the brain, leading to her transfer to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where she later died on January 25. Mrs. Selwood had underlying health conditions including diabetes and aplastic anaemia, a blood disorder that made her more susceptible to bleeding and clotting issues after trauma.
Colin Selwood, Mrs. Selwood’s husband, recounted how they had moved to a hardstanding gravel path to avoid slippery sidelines when the incident occurred. He described hearing a thud and seeing his wife collapse after being hit by a ball from an adjacent pitch where another team was warming up. Witnesses offered assistance, including an off-duty doctor, who instructed Mr. Selwood to support his wife’s head.
According to testimony, Mrs. Selwood’s son, Dan, a youth coach at the club, rushed to her aid when she complained of pain and began drifting rapidly after the incident. The inquest revealed that due to her medical conditions, Mrs. Selwood was at increased risk of bleeding complications. Dr. Sarah Allford, a consultant haematologist, explained that her reduced platelet count heightened the severity of the bleed into the brain caused by the impact, increasing the risk of adverse outcomes.
The inquest highlighted the potential dangers posed by Mrs. Selwood’s pre-existing health conditions in the context of the accident. The investigation is ongoing to understand the circumstances surrounding the tragic event and ensure appropriate measures are in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.