Steve Medcalf: RNLI volunteer died after trying to save dogs from fire

A coroner ruled Steve Medcalf's death, following a fire at his home in Withernsea, was an accident

An RNLI manager died after he tried to save his two dogs from a fire at his home in East Yorkshire.

Steve Medcalf, 52, died in hospital on 12 December 2022, three weeks after he was rescued from the blaze at his home in Withernsea.

An inquest in Hull heard he had been asleep when the fire started and "on the balance of probabilities" died as a result of his efforts to save his pets.

Coroner Lorraine Harris ruled his death was an accident.

Three fire crews were sent to the house on North Road shortly after midnight on 20 November.

The inquest was told the Mr Medcalf suffered grade two smoke inhalation injuries and was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary for treatment, but his inflamed lungs were "particularly susceptible to chest infection".

He developed pneumonia which "rapidly evolved into an overwhelming sepsis leading to multi-organ failure" and died three weeks later.

Hundreds of people attended a procession at his funeral in January

Mr Medcalf had been an RNLI volunteer in Withernsea for 25 years and was described as "a big man with an even bigger heart and a wonderful personality" by HM Coastguard Withernsea at the time of his death.

Hundreds of people attended a procession at his funeral, with the town's streets flanked by his crewmates carrying oars.

Deputy Launch Officer Dave Penson had said Mr Medcalf touched the lives of all those who worked for the RNLI.