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The inquest into the death of football fan Mark Townsend, who collapsed at a match, has become a harrowing examination of the emergency response and medical care provided at the scene, which his family has described as a 'shambles.' Townsend's brother, Steve, tearfully described Mark as 'one of the nicest people you would ever meet,' a man who would 'never let you down,' before the court heard evidence criticising the speed and coordination of the care.
A key piece of testimony came from Dr.
Stones, a self-described 'Good Samaritan bystander,' who claimed the official timeline of events was inaccurate, suggesting it took only about four minutes for the first paramedics to arrive, contradicting the longer estimate of ten minutes presented by other witnesses.
This discrepancy is central to the inquest's investigation into whether a faster, more coordinated response could have altered the tragic outcome.
The family’s insistence on pursuing the inquest reflects their desire for accountability and clarity regarding the sequence of events.
The emotional testimony from his brother and the critical assessment of the care provided shine a light on the often-chaotic nature of medical emergencies in large public venues, demanding a review of event safety and emergency protocols.
The inquest is expected to continue as the court attempts to piece together the exact circumstances that led to Townsend's passing.