Inquiry into death of roofer who fell from cottage in Kilmacolm

An inquiry is to be held into the death of a roofer who fell from a cottage in Inverclyde.

William Matthews, the owner and director of a roofing and plastering business based in Paisley, died on August 5, 2024.

The 57-year-old suffered fatal injuries after falling from the roof of a cottage in Kilmacolm.

A Fatal Accident Inquiry will examine the circumstances of his death with a preliminary hearing due to be held on May 26 this year at Paisley Sheriff Court.

The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) includes determining the cause of death, the circumstances in which the death occurred, and establishing what steps, if any, could have been taken to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said:   “The death of William Matthews occurred while in the course of his employment and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.          

“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.          

“Mr Matthews’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”