Moped scrapes led to death of Hipperholme man in Thailand


A VERDICT of accidental death was recorded at the inquest of a man who died from septicaemia after being hurt in a moped accident in Thailand.
Neal Scrimshaw, 38, of Lees Buildings, Hipperholme, had grazes on one of his ankles after the accident. The wounds became infected and he died a week later.

Mr Scrimshaw, who lived in Hipperholme for more than 20 years, moved to Thailand four years ago to live with his brother Philip in Pattaya.

The inquest, at Halifax Town Hall, heard Philip noticed a change in his brother's behaviour and with help from family back in England, persuaded him to visit hospital. He was given antibiotics but his condition didn't improve and he was admitted to hospital. He died on May 23.

Deputy coroner David Hinchliff said Mr Scrimshaw suffered septicaemic shock and recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Killed...by just a graze - family grief for Neal, 38





Published Date:
29 May 2008
By Suzanne Rutter

A HALIFAX man who suffered just minor injuries in a moped accident in Thailand has died.
Neal Scrimshaw, 38, caught septicaemia through grazes on his ankle and died a week later.
His mother said: "If he had gone to hospital he would be alive today."
Neal left Belgrave Mount, Claremount, Halifax, four years ago to live with his brother Philip in Pattaya.
His mum, Pat Scrim-shaw, 67, of Lees Build-ings, Hipperholme, said Neal did not go to hospital immediately after the accident.

She said: "I spoke to Neal on the Tuesday evening. He told me about his leg and I said he should get to hospital. If he had have done, he would be alive today.
"The worst part is us being over here and him being over there. "

The news of his death was broken to the family by Neal's Thai girlfriend. His body was being flown home today.
Neal was one of six brothers and sisters – Philip, 45, Adam, 42, Gail, 41, Michelle, 39, and his twin, Andrew.
Sister Michelle Amos, of Siddal, said: "We are devastated. We don't know what caused the accident."
She added: "Neal was well liked in Thailand. He was very happy living there.
"He loved the women, the weather, scenery and had a lot of friends. Neal and Philip got on really well. Philip was really good to him. Neal would do anything for anybody. He liked to socialise and had a heart of gold.
"He was funny and loved his 13 nephews and nieces. He always wanted to know about them."
Neal had attended Eastfield Secondary School – now known as Hipperholme and Lightcliffe High.
Before he moved to Thailand he worked at S H Container Co, Brighouse.
He did not work in Thailand.
He loved sports and had played for Ovenden Rugby League Club when he was in his 20s.