Death of Paythorne boy, 10, ruled an accident by inquest

Thomas Bull was riding the quadbike on his family’s farm in Paythorne, near Gisburn, in June having taken his dogs out while he had gone to check on the sheep.

The inquest at Accrington Town Hall heard that Thomas would regularly go around the farm on his own doing chores, but that he knew not to take the quadbike out on his own.

Thomas Bull was just 10 years old when he died (Image: Emily Waddington)

Having arrived back from school on June 7, Thomas took the quadbike out without his parents knowing, and they became concerned when he did not return back to the house.

Dad Chris said he could see something black in the corner of the field and quickly realised it was the quadbike on its side.

When he got to the scene, the quadbike was fully tipped over with Thomas, who was conscious and communicating at this point, trapped underneath it.

READ MORE: £36K raised at Paythorne pub fundraiser for Thomas Bull

Emergency services were called and Lancashire Police attended along with two helicopters from the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, who took Thomas to Leeds General Infirmary.

When he arrived at the hospital the situation initially seemed optimistic, but Thomas’ condition began to deteriorate over the following days.

Dr Singh, from the hospital, said this was likely due to a reperfusion injury (when tissue damage is caused when blood supply returns to the tissue after a lack of oxygen).

He was described as a typical farmer's son (Image: Emily Waddington)

When Thomas died on June 10, doctors said this was due to reperfusion consistent with severe crush injuries, and offered a medical cause of death of multiple-organ failure exacerbated by crush injuries.

The Health and Safety Executive attended the farm and determined they were not pursuing any further investigation.

The inquest found Thomas was not wearing a helmet at the time but that he had no recorded head injuries. It also found the risk of the quadbike overturning was increased by his age and weight.

It was determined the risk of serious injury was increased when the quadbike overturned because of the weight of the vehicle and Thomas not being strong enough to lift it off.

READ MORE: Tractor procession being organised after tragic death of 10-year-old boy

Coroner Richard Taylor recorded a conclusion of accidental death, saying: “Thomas James Bull died on June 10 at Leeds General Infirmary from injuries sustained when he lost control of a quadbike he was riding at his home on June 7, which overturned.”

Fundraising events have been held in Thomas’ memory since his tragic death, with more than £36,000 raised for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

In August, an event held at The Buck pub in Kiln Lane, Paythorne, also saw farmers auction off some of their livestock, with proceeds going to charity, in honour of Thomas.

Thomas' death was ruled an accident at an inquest (Image: David Hartley Funeral Service)

Emily Waddington, a family friend who knew Thomas well, said at the time: “Thomas’ mum, Jo, really appreciated what the air ambulance did for Thomas and took him straight to Leeds. They were incredible [with the family].

“You never plan to need the air ambulance until [an emergency] so it was nice to do something for them.”

A procession was also organised through Newchurch on the day of his funeral for “one last tractor run.”

Thomas was described as a “typical farmer’s son” who loved being on the farm and had a passion for tractors, steam trains, and engines.