Relatives of David Carpenter spoke after an inquest into his death closed

The family of a Coventry binman say the job should be more valued as they urge others to remember him “with pride.” David Carpenter, 60, was crushed to death after being lifted in a bin lorry last year, a jury found yesterday (22 April.)

They ruled his death was accidental but also highlighted a “foreseeable” risk and other “missed opportunities” in their conclusion. Mr Carpenter’s sister Jane spoke on behalf of his siblings and his 83-year-old mother after the inquest closed yesterday.

In an emotional statement she said: “What a lovely person David turned out to be.” “Dad instilled in all of us the value of working, and shortly after leaving school David started working in the bins for city [council.] “Not a job that many people would like to do but David chose to do it. This is a job that should be more valued in society.” She added: “David was respected by members of the public, but more so his work colleagues.

“He was friendly and helpful and also hard working.” His service to the council was “lifelong,” she added.

“David losing his life in this way has left his entire family shocked by the nature of his death and deeply saddened. It has been very difficult for the people he worked with who he also considered family, his brothers.”

“[There’s] no-one quite like David,” she said. “Just think of him every day of your lives. When you see them lads out working hard on the street, remember him with pride, just like we will.”

Claire Chetwynd, Mr Carpenter’s stepdaughter, also paid tribute to him. Speaking on behalf of the family, she said: “We are profoundly grateful for the time we had with David, a cherished and much-loved partner, son, Dad, brother, Grandad and friend whose life ended tragically while serving his community. “David was a devoted refuse collector, a crucial yet often overlooked role integral to the health of everyone in this City and throughout the UK.”

Area coroner Delroy Henry praised Mr Carpenter’s family before the inquest closed yesterday. He said: “As a family you have demonstrated in my judgement such a strength of character and fortitude of soul that it warrants a public acknowledgement.

“As a family, individually and collectively, you have demonstrated an unwavering resilience.” “David would be proud, real proud,” he added.