Death of mentally ill ex-soldier ruled a tragic accident as court hears he 'lost his balance' and fell into sea moments after talking to police officer

The drowning death of a former army private off the coast of Blackpool has been ruled a tragic accident after a court found he accidentally fell into the water shortly after talking with police.
Jason MausolfJason Mausolf
Jason Mausolf

Jason Mausolf, 46, of Rossett Avenue, left his daughter's home on June 19 last year following a family argument and made his way to the North Pier.

He was known to suffer from mental health problems and alcohol addiction. His family feared for his safety and called the police.

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At his inquest at Blackpool town hall last week, the court heard that an officer had found him sitting on the sea defences near the Metropole Hotel as the sea came in towards him. She approached him and tried to persuade him to move away from the water. However, when he stood up, 'he lost his balance and inadvertently entered the sea'.

Jason in his younger years in the militaryJason in his younger years in the military
Jason in his younger years in the military

Coroner Alan Wilson ruled: "(Mr Mausolf) tried to return to the shore, but unsuccessfully. Police officers made efforts to assist him. He temporarily took hold of a water ring but due to the

force of the current he was unable to retain his hold and was then noted to be face down in the water before he was rescued unresponsive from the sea by the Coastguard.

"Despite extensive cardio-pulmonary resuscitation efforts he could not be revived. Jason was transferred to hospital by ambulance where investigations revealed he had suffered

a catastrophic loss of oxygen which proved fatal and he died in the presence of his family on June 24."

He handed down a conclusion of accidental death

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