Richard Copnall represented the family of John Henry Oates in Inquest
On 27 October 2023, 29‑year‑old runner John Henry Oates tragically lost his life after coming into contact with a low‑hanging live electricity cable while out training for a half‑marathon on a public footpath near Lupton, close to Kendal in Cumbria. He had been visiting his parents at the time, and was reported missing when he did not return from his run.
Richard Copnall represented the family of John Henry Oates, also known as Harry in an inquest which concluded on Tuesday 16 December 2025 with Senior Coroner for Cumbria, Kirsty Gomersal returning a narrative conclusion, capturing the complexity of the mechanical and procedural factors that contributed to the fatal incident. The Coroner’s findings also underline the importance of robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms within energy infrastructure networks to prevent similar tragedies.
Read more:
Coroner to Send Prevention of Future Deaths Report to Energy Networks Association Following Son and Brother’s Death – Ison Harrison Solicitors
Inquest finds runner was electrocuted in ‘rare and complex sequence of events’ | ITV News Border
Man electrocuted by cable during run near Kirkby Lonsdale – BBC News
Richard was instructed by Director and Head of Inquests at Ison Harrison, Gareth Naylor.
