Devoted Newport mum, Kelly Chard, died in stair fall after Christmas night out - inquest

9:00am Saturday 9th March 2013 in News

DIED: Kelly Anne Chard DIED: Kelly Anne Chard

A DEVOTED mother and carer who "always put others before herself" died after falling down the stairs.

Kelly Anne Chard, 35, of Newport, suffered a fracture at the base of her skull as a result of the fall following a night out on December 21 to celebrate Christmas.

Recording a verdict of accidental death at Miss Chard’s inquest, Gwent coroner David Bowen said: "This was a tragic end to what should have been a very pleasant evening."

Following the hearing at Gwent Coroner’s Court, sitting in Newport, Miss Chard’s family described her as "a fantastic girl" who was devoted to her son Ryan.

Her father John Chard said: "She was a hard working girl. She worked as a carer with autistic people and used to work very long hours to keep everything going.

"She was supposed to be working on Christmas Day. She never asked for anything and always put others before herself."

He added: "She was very popular. It was unbelievable. There were around 500 people at her funeral.

"We just love her so much. That night was the most horrific night of our lives."

The inquest heard Miss Chard was in the kitchen at her house with her cousin Maxine Chard following the night out. Miss Chard, who had returned home by taxi, had left the kitchen to go upstairs. But there was a noise and Miss Chard was found slumped in an awkward position at the bottom of the stairs.

CPR attempts were made on Miss Chard before she was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport. But Mr Bowen said the family’s worst fears were confirmed at the hospital.

A post mortem examination showed that Miss Chard had a blood alcohol level of 222mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. The legal drink drive limit is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

Comments(11)

ianzemma says...
12:59pm Sat 9 Mar 13

i knew kelly, she was a lovely lady, as for her being out drinking, it was 4 days before christmas! she was out with friends for gods sake and you can fall down the stairs sober..i know, i've done it!

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welshsupergirl says...
2:10pm Sat 9 Mar 13

This was a tragic accident that could have happened whilst under the influence or not. It was just before Christmas for goodness sake. Kelly was a hard working mum who deserved to celebrate Christmas just like the rest of us, in which ever way we choose. Kelly's family & friends are still grieving so I politely ask you - if you can't write anything in sympathy or support, please refrain from writing anything. Thank you.

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Hevsym says...
3:15pm Sat 9 Mar 13

I don't think people need to harp on about alcohol, she was over the limit, but it was Christmas and she wasn't driving, we've all had a few drinks at a party for Gods sake. But it is such a shame an accident like this can happen, and a lovely Mum, daughter and fried can be taken away. My thoughts are with her family. I didn't know Kelly, but I have heard nothing but wonderful things about her. RIP

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Maxster34 says...
3:48pm Sat 9 Mar 13

we had done nothing wrong that night, we were 2 best friends enjoying a pre Christmas drink, NOT guzzling alcohol, behaving just like hundreds of thousands of people up & down the country, that ended in a tragedy that has been unbearable to live with. the loss of such a vibrant & beautiful person will impact on our lives on a daily basis. the fact that you have felt the need to post comments so heartless & disrespectful, to the memory of my amazing cousin, at such a difficult time, for me, sums up utter ignorance & disgusts me...

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Maxster34 says...
4:17pm Sat 9 Mar 13

my comment does not apply to all post here

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welshfloss says...
4:29pm Sat 9 Mar 13

It never fails to amaze me how people can post insensitive comments with regards to other peoples heartbreak. I understand everyone has an opinion but does it really need to be written where kelly's family can see it. As already stated - if you have nothing nice to say about kelly then please keep your thoughts to yourself.

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welshfloss says...
4:33pm Sat 9 Mar 13

Also Max you dont have to justify yourself to anyone, you & Kelly were enjoying a night out (regardless of what time of year it was), having a lovely evening & doing what you both done best - enjoying life! People have fallen & had accidents sober so that doesn't need commenting on, people have nothing better to do love! Sleep peacefully Kelly xxx

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kalwales@hotmail.com says...
4:37pm Sat 9 Mar 13

Kelly was just like all of us, she was human & a very caring and friendly one at that, we all enjoy a drink especially at festive and celebration times of the year, she could of taught a few imbeciles in life today what it's takes to be a decent person, RIP Kelly xxx

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Lee Nazer says...
6:14pm Sat 9 Mar 13

Aww Bless her so much to live for what a tragic accident. My heartfelt wishes goes out to her SON and the family. R.I.P. My darling xx

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Maxster34 says...
6:49pm Sat 9 Mar 13

thanks to whoever deleted the inappropriate posts x

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willow181 says...
9:00am Sun 10 Mar 13

A tragic accident that could of happened to any family who now have to grieve for such a lovely lady life is so unfair and cruel they dont need the nasty trolls that sometimes frequent this site !

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