, Scotland's death investigation authority, said last month that the inquiry will look to establish what precautions could have been taken prior to the death of Mr Wallace, and what findings that may produce to ensure safety in the future. Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: "The death of Wallace Hunter occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held. The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff. "Wallace Hunter's family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress." Mr Hunter's son Kier is also suing the){kind=link}
Wallace Hunter, 75, was staying at a hotel when he suffered fatal burns in a scalding hot bath behind a bolted door, as his family, other guests and emergency services desperately tried to save him
The family of a grandad who died in a scalding hot bath have described the 90 minutes they spent trying to save him as a ‘horror story’. Wallace Hunter, 75, was staying at the Pitlochry Hydro Hotel in Perthshire when he suffered fatal burns in December 2019.
His loved ones tried desperately to secure entry into the bathroom to rescue him – but struggled to break down the door, which was bolted and opened outwards. Dramatic scenes saw their efforts then joined by police officers and other guests, who tried to get inside by smashing fire extinguishers against the doors.
A fire crew eventually managed to break through after 90 minutes – but emergency services performing CPR were unable to save him. A preliminary hearing was scheduled to begin on Friday at Alloa Sheriff Court for a Fatal Accident Inquiry, but this has now been adjourned until October 27. The Times reported the adjournment came after the court was not satisfied all relevant parties were present, with several hotel employees understood not have turned up.
The Crown Office (COPFS), Scotland’s death investigation authority, said last month that the inquiry will look to establish what precautions could have been taken prior to the death of Mr Wallace, and what findings that may produce to ensure safety in the future. Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “The death of Wallace Hunter occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held. The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.