Mum, 39, dies in horror accident after being crushed by faulty bed

A mum-of-two tragically lost her life in a freak accident after becoming trapped by a faulty Ottoman bed.

Helen Davey, 39, was unable to free herself when the raised mattress platform suddenly dropped, pinning her neck against the bed's base at her County Durham home on June 7.

An inquest found the accident was caused by a malfunctioning gas-lift piston. Durham and Darlington's senior coroner, Jeremy Chipperfield, has formally warned the Government, urging action to prevent similar incidents, , reports ChronicleLive.

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He said: "The deceased was leaning over the storage area of an Ottoman-styled 'gas-lift bed' when the mattress platform descended unexpectedly, trapping her neck against the upper surface of the side panel of the bed's base.

"Unable to free herself, she died of positional asphyxia. During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken."

Chipperfield has notified the Office for Product Safety and Standards and the Department for Business and Trade about the risks associated with malfunctioning gas piston beds, highlighting the need for preventive measures: "In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action."

Helen operated a beauty business, All Dolled Up, from her home and was also the mother to 19 year old Elizabeth and 11 year old George. In a public tribute back in June, her daughter poignantly wrote: "I can't even begin to process that it's real and your not just going to walk through the door. Mine and George's best friend from day one, I will always wish we had more time together and that you were still by our side supporting us through everything as always."

"I hope you know how much I love you and that I'd do anything for one more cuddle. Until we meet again my angel."

This tragic death follows closely on the heels of a two year old boy's death after a fireplace fell on him.

The accident resulted in severe injuries, which he sadly did not survive. He was declared dead at the hospital shortly afterwards, leaving his Wigan community in mourning.

The incident prompted a massive emergency service response in and around Fisher Close, Worsley Mesnes, in Greater Manchester - with the North West Air Ambulance also deployed and seen landing on a nearby field. Reports suggest that the children's mum was at work and had left the daughter – who is legally old enough to supervise children – in charge of the boy.

It is believed that the pair were dancing when the heavy fireplace suddenly toppled over onto the two year old.