Businessman, 25, crushed by tree as he set up hammock-style tent 9ft above ground with wife and brother in illegal camp
A YOUNG businessman was crushed by a tree after setting up a hammock-style tent with his wife and brother while camping illegally.
Telecom boss Ryan O’Carroll, 25, was fatally injured when a 20ft rotten ash crashed down on him last August.
An inquest heard how he had erected the tent nine feet above the ground – nearly twice the recommended safe limit.
He was travelling with wife of two years Stephanee and 11-year-old brother Nick.
The trio had drove from their home in Southampton to surf in Newquay, Cornwall.
They set up the tent by torchlight at the 250-acre Tehidy Country park at 11pm.
Ryan – CEO of Yo Telecoms – was trapped when the rotten tree fell as he helped Stephanee into the tent.
TENT WAS TOO HIGH
Nick flagged down motorist Natalie Jupp, who tried to lift the tree with son Daniel, 19.
She said: “We tried to lift the tree but it was just too heavy. The ties looked to have been nine feet high in the trees.”
Ryan died the next morning in Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital from catastrophic brain injuries.
Sean Oates, health and safety adviser with Cornwall Council, said the park was owned and managed by the council and the ash tree in question was around 30 years old.
You changed my life, I became a better person because of you, you loved me unconditionally and you inspired me every day.
Stephanee O'Carroll
He told the inquest jury: “The country park prohibits pubic camping. There is a designated area but not for members of the public but pre arranged camping like schools.
“Any unofficial campers are asked to move on.”
After the tragedy Stephanee wrote about Ryan saying: “The day I met you was the best day of my life.
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“You changed my life, I became a better person because of you, you loved me unconditionally and you inspired me every day.”
Ryan’s mother Giselle said:”In all his 25 years Ryan lived his life to the fullest. Going to more places than most 80 year olds and doing more things than most 80 year olds have done.”
The inquest jury returned an accidental death conclusion.
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