Professor who hiked Himalayas died on fell walk
Geograph/Gordon GriffithsA professor who had hiked all over the world died on a fell walk on his birthday.
Roderick Arthur Smith was walking with family on Boxing Day at Grisedale Tarn, near Ambleside in the Lake District, when he fell while crossing a stream, an inquest heard.
Prof Smith, who had turned 77 on the day of his death, suffered extensive head injuries and lost consciousness on the mountain, where he was pronounced dead by paramedics about an hour after they were called to help.
During a hearing at Cockermouth Coroner's Court on Tuesday, acting senior coroner Kirsty Gomersal concluded Prof Smith's death had been accidental.
His sister Janet Thompson said: "He was very experienced, he had walked all over the world, including the Himalayas, this was just a little walk and sadly accidents happen."
An obituary published by the University of Cambridge's Queen's College said Prof Smith, a professor of mechanical engineering, had taken up academic positions at universities including Cambridge, Oxford and Sheffield, as well as a role as chief scientific advisor to the Department of Transport, during his career.
'Thanks to rescuers'
Prof Smith, who was born in Oldham, was living in Oxford at the time of his death, but had been spending Christmas with family in Cumbria.
Miss Gomersal heard Prof Smith had been on a walk with his wife, his niece and her husband.
Evidence from Mrs Smith said her husband had been ahead of the group when he slipped trying to cross a small stream.
She added he had blood coming out of his ear and became immediately unresponsive.
The family attempted chest compressions, helped by a passing fell runner, until volunteers from Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue teams and an air ambulance were able to reach them.
Paramedics declared him dead on the mountain and helped his family down the fell.
A post-mortem found Prof Smith had multiple skull fractures and he would have fallen into a coma after the impact.
Miss Gomersal told the family: "It will be no consolation to know that his head injury was unsurvivable, despite your efforts."
Mrs Smith thanked the emergency services and volunteers who went to their aid on the day.
She said: "Everyone who was involved was supportive and helpful, and I appreciate that very much."