A Toddler’s Dance Turns to Tragedy! The Moment a TV and Fireplace Wigan Home
A two-year-old boy tragically died after a television and marble fireplace fell on him in a devastating accident at his home in Wigan, Greater Manchester. Carter Walsh had been happily dancing to the children’s show Cocomelon just moments before the incident on 18 September.
The heavy television, weighing between 25 and 30 kg, was sitting on top of the fireplace in the living room of their rented home in Fisher Close. Neither the TV nor the fireplace was secured to the wall, and the furniture toppled over, striking Carter on the head.
The young toddler was dead in the hospital. Greater Manchester Police Detective Inspector Stuart Woodhead said, “Carter was a very inquisitive child, and it seems he had approached the fireplace, possibly pulling on the mantelpiece.” He added that it was a sudden and tragic event, with Carter not suffering in the process.
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The death was ruled as an accident by Greater Manchester West area coroner Peter Sigee, who expressed his condolences to the family, saying, “I am so sorry we have had to meet in such tragic circumstances.”
The incident occurred while Carter’s mother was at work, and a relative was babysitting him. The room’s door was closed at the time as workmen and the landlord were occupied elsewhere in the house. After the accident, the workmen assisted in lifting the heavy items off Carter.
Carter’s grandmother, Helen Mayhew, gave evidence, explaining that the family had recently decorated the room and laid new carpets. She mentioned that they had noticed the TV and fireplace were not securely fastened the day before the accident, and securing them had been part of their plans. “They were resting against the wall but there were no fittings to attach it,” she said. “We don’t know how the fireplace suddenly fell.”
Forensic pathologist Dr. Jamie Robinson confirmed that Carter sustained a severe head injury, which would have caused him to lose consciousness immediately. He added that even with medical intervention, Carter would not have survived.
Carter’s family described him as a happy and well-cared-for child, and they continue to struggle with the loss of their beloved toddler. The inquest has raised important questions about home safety, particularly in securing heavy furniture and appliances in homes with young children.
