McDonald’s worker, 21, was crushed to death by landslide in freak accident after stepping off bus to watch rescue workers clearing up storm debris on country road in Wales, inquest hears

• Corey Sharpling, 21, stopped to watch emergency workers in Cwmduan, Wales 
• They were moving a tree as Storm Callum wreaked havoc in October 2018
• Tonnes of earth and trees came toppling down in a shock ‘million-to-one’ tragedy
• Coroner ruled Corey died from multiple injuries caused by the freak accident 

A 21-year-old McDonalds worker was crushed to death under a landslide in a freak accident on a country road in Wales, an inquest heard.

Corey Sharpling, 21, was on his way to work when his bus was forced to stop due to a fallen tree blocking the road in Cwmduan, near Carmarthen, in October 2018.

He got out of the bus to watch the emergency workers clear the debris from Storm Callum – which was wreaking havoc across the country at the time. 

But a shock ‘million-to-one’ landslide sent tonnes of earth and trees toppling down on him from a roadside forest.

A coroner today ruled that Corey died from multiple injuries caused by the freak accident, as his heartbroken father paid tribute to his son who ‘lived life in the fast lane’.

McDonalds worker Corey Sharpling, 21, was crushed to death under a landslide in a freak accident on a country road in Wales, an inquest heard. Rugby fan Corey – described as a ‘beautiful adventurer’ by his family – lived with his girlfriend Marsha Spittle in Newcastle Emlyn before his death

A coroner today ruled that Corey died from multiple injuries caused by the freak accident (aftermath of the landslide, pictured), as his heartbroken father paid tribute to his son who ‘lived life in the fast lane’

Rugby fan Corey – described as a ‘beautiful adventurer’ by his family – lived with his girlfriend Marsha Spittle in Newcastle Emlyn.

He took the bus for his 17-mile journey to work at his part-time job in McDonalds when he stopped to see a fallen tree being cleared.

Tonnes of debris crashed down on top of him in a horrifying landslide – which also swept a lorry into a nearby river and made a section of road impassable for weeks.

Corey –  the youngest of four children – had worked at McDonalds in Camarthen for more than a year before he died.

Dyfed-Powys Police and the Health and Safety Executive investigated his death because civil engineers had been working at the roadside.

Corey Sharpling, 21, (right, and with his girlfriend, left) was on his way to work when his bus was forced to stop due to a fallen tree blocking the road in Cwmduan, near Carmarthen, in October 2018. He got out of the bus to watch the emergency workers clear the debris from Storm Callum – which was wreaking havoc across the country at the time

A shock ‘million-to-one’ landslide sent tonnes of earth and trees toppling down on Corey (pictured with his girlfriend) from a roadside forest

No prosecutions were made. 

His father Tom Sharpling, 53, told the inquest at Llanelli: ‘He was a typical 21-year-old – full of fun and adventure. In some ways this is why this story has touched so many people.’

Computer analyst Mr Sharpling added: ‘He had done so much. He had packed so much into those 21 years – he might have done more in his lifetime than most did.

‘He lived life in the fast lane – full of what the next plan or adventure was.

‘In a way what’s happened to Corey could have happened to anyone. It could have been anyone on the road on that day.’

At the time of his death Corey’s family said: ‘We are heartbroken at the tragic loss of our beautiful son Corey.

His heartbroken girlfriend Marsha, then-18, said at the time: ‘Today I lost the love of my life – he was everything I always wanted. You have sadly been taken from me and your family by a terrible accident earlier tonight’

‘Many knew his wit, charm and sense of loyalty and we take those things with us in our hearts.’

His heartbroken girlfriend Marsha, then-18, said at the time: ‘Today I lost the love of my life – he was everything I always wanted.

‘You have sadly been taken from me and your family by a terrible accident earlier tonight.

‘I want you to know that I will always love you forever and always.’

The Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire coroner recorded a conclusion of accidental death.

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