A tragic incident occurred at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, Devon, resulting in the death of 87-year-old retired civil servant Jean Langan. Mrs Langan had visited the hospital for a routine appointment to have a hearing aid fitted and was walking back to her car in the hospital car park with her niece when the accident took place on March 4, 2022. A search and rescue helicopter, carrying a patient, was landing at the nearby hospital helipad, when both Mrs Langan and her niece were struck by the downwash from the aircraft.
In a statement read to the Exeter Coroner’s Court by retired senior coroner Ian Arrow, Mrs Langan’s family expressed their devastation at the sudden and violent loss of their beloved family member. The statement described Mrs Langan as a crucial part of their family, who had always been there for them. It highlighted her love for her three grandchildren, her dedication to her home for over 30 years, and her efficiency during her time in the Civil Service. The family stressed that Mrs Langan’s death, caused by the helicopter downwash, was a tragic accident and she was doing nothing wrong at the time.
The inquest jury viewed CCTV footage from the hospital car park, showing the moment people walking near the helipad were knocked to the ground as the helicopter landed. Home Office pathologist Dr Amanda Jeffery confirmed that Mrs Langan sustained significant head injuries due to being swept off her feet and falling backwards during the incident. She tragically passed away about three-and-a-half hours later from these head injuries, as determined by the medical cause of death.
The coroner informed the jury that the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) had already examined the incident, involving an HM Coastguard aircraft. As a result, the inquest would not delve into matters already investigated by the AAIB and there would be no additional witness testimonies regarding the circumstances leading to Mrs Langan’s injuries. The inquest, scheduled to last for five days, continued with further evidence and statements being presented to understand the sequence of events that led to the fatal outcome.
The loss of Jean Langan has deeply affected her family, who remember her as a dedicated and loving individual. Her untimely death has left a void in their lives, and they expressed their grief over the publicity surrounding the circumstances of her passing, which compromised the quiet dignity she would have preferred. Despite knowing that they would eventually lose her due to her age, Mrs Langan’s family is struggling to come to terms with the shock and tragedy of her sudden demise.
As the inquest into Mrs Langan’s death progresses, the focus remains on uncovering the details of the incident and ensuring that any necessary measures are taken to prevent similar accidents in the future. The community mourns the loss of a respected member, and her family seeks closure and justice as they navigate through the aftermath of this heartbreaking event. The memory of Jean Langan lives on in the hearts of those who knew and cherished her, as they honour her legacy and the impact she had on their lives.