Elderly woman dies after buggy fall

By Roddy Ashworth

TRIBUTES have been paid to an elderly woman who died after her invalid buggy toppled off a raised footpath and fell into a road

Vera Masidlover, 75, of Golf Green Road, Jaywick, died as a result of the accident, which happened while she was on holiday on the Isle of Wight. It is understood her husband, Ronald, was with her at the time.

Mrs Masidlover was taken to St Mary's Hospital in Newport following Sunday's accident, but died from her injuries on Tuesday.

Lawrence Restall, who lives next door to the couple, paid tribute yesterday to Mrs Masidlover and remembered her as a “very nice lady”.

He added: “She lived here for about 16 years, I think. She lived here with her husband, Ronald. He was a sort of carer for her.

“We used to say hello to her. We wished her the best for her holiday. We were on very good terms with her. We have been totally shocked.”

An Isle of Wight police spokeswoman said the accident had happened on a raised footpath in Hallet Shute, Yarmouth, which did not have any railings.

An investigation had been launched into the accident and the Highways Agency - which is responsible for the footpath - has been informed.

A statement issued by Isle of Wight police said: “Vera Edith Masidlover fell approximately four feet onto the road when the invalid buggy she was travelling in tipped over shortly before 10am on Sunday.

“She was taken to St Mary's hospital in Newport, where she died from her injuries.”

The police spokeswoman said the buggy in which Mrs Masidlover had been travelling was being examined by experts.

She added a post-mortem examination had been held on Wednesday and full details of the cause of death would be disclosed once an inquest had been opened by the coroner.

roddy.ashworth@eadt.co.uk