Star comment: Let's hope Daniel Hodgin's death was not in vain
Time won't bring back Daniel Hodgin. An inquest found that the 20-year-old died accidentally after entering the River Severn in Shrewsbury in the early hours of the morning last November.
He had spoken with his mother not long before and may have mistakenly stepped into the water.
It is a tragic case and one that might have been avoided. A lapse in communication between the Environment Agency and Shropshire Council meant a gate leading to the river towpath had not been closed.
However, it is to be hoped that Mr Hodgin did not die in vain. His family's loss has spurred statutory authorities into action. Prompted by a petition that was signed by more than 3,000 people, Shropshire Council has carried out extensive work to improve safety at the site. New railings have been installed and paths widened. The authorities are keen that no further accidents occur.
Local campaigners believe more should be done. They are not content that those responsible for maintaining public safety have done all that they could have. They believe further efforts should be made to protect youngsters and adults from slipping into the river.
Protesters are to be commended for their efforts. They have kept safety high on the agenda and ensured that Mr Hodgin will not quickly be forgotten. They provide a guard against those who might not do everything that they might to prevent a repeat.
Numerous public bodies have an interest in the way members of the public interact with the River Severn. Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury Town Council, the Environment Agency and the police all bear some responsibility. It would appear those bodies are speaking to one another more regularly following the death. There is greater co-ordination and joined-up thinking.
Mr Hodgin's death provided a stark reminder of the power of the River Severn. It is a strong and unpredictable force that has claimed numerous lives down the years. Authorities must be vigilant to protect people who might not realise its capacity for destruction.
They must also protect members of the public who may be prone to make mistakes or who might be the victim of an accident.
Public safety around the River Severn has again become a top priority. It is tragic that it took the death of Mr Hodgin to restore its prominence.
