Tragic Southampton fan only able to communicate using tongue after fall at stadium told doctors to turn of life support
A TRAGIC fan only able to communicate with his tongue after falling at Southampton’s stadium told doctors he wanted to die, an inquest heard.
Simon Oakley, 59, was watching his beloved Saints play when he plummeted down ten concrete steps at half time.
The dad-of-four was rushed from St Mary’s to Southampton General Hospital and then transferred to a neuroscience intensive care ward.
An inquest heard Simon was left paralysed from the neck down after suffering two fractures in his spine in the October 7 horror.
He was told by medics he would be dependent on a ventilator and a require a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
Simon, who was only able to communicate by sticking his tongue out, expressed that he wished to die instead.
Winchester Coroner’s Court heard he was repeatedly assessed over the next three weeks to ensure he was capable of making that decision.
Doctors concluded it would be unlawful to treat him against his wishes and the choice was made to switch his ventilator off.
On November 13, the dad was visited by his family and friends to say goodbye and he passed away 30 minutes after the life support was removed.
Brave Simon, who also received a visit from Southampton legend Francis Benali, donated his organs to help other patients.
Friend Andy Takle told the inquest how the pair had been watching Southampton play Rotherham United when the horror unfolded.
He said: “I was standing next to Simon watching the game and the next thing I saw was him rolling down the stairs in front of me.
“I could not catch him, we had scuffled to the stairs to head down just before half time.
“We were not drunk, we had had two pints at the most, one at the pub and a second at the stadium.
“When he made his decision in November I knew this is what he truly wanted.”
Simon was treated by an off-duty ambulance worker at the stadium as the second half kick-off was delayed.
Assistant coroner for Southampton, Kiran Chahal Musgrave, recorded an open verdict.
He said: “There is insufficient evidence as to determine how Mr Oakley came to be on the ground.
“He may have tripped or been pushed, deliberately or not, but there is lack of evidence to as to which of those possibilities it may have been.
“I would like to offer my sincere condolences.”
Simon’s brother Brian is now calling for handrails to be installed following the tragic accident.