Tragic Death of 14-Year-Old Benn Curran-Nicholls After Eating Poisonous Berries
A 14-year-old boy has died after swallowing deadly yew tree berries during a walk with his dad in Fletcher Moss Park, Didsbury. Benn Curran-Nicholls, who had severe autism, collapsed after eating the toxic berries and later died despite emergency treatment.
The Fatal Incident
Benn was enjoying a routine therapeutic walk with his father on September 18, 2022. Known to climb yew trees, Benn picked and ate some berries without knowing the deadly risk. After returning home, he suddenly collapsed. Paramedics rushed him to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, but he tragically passed away early the next morning.
Deadly Danger of Yew Berries
Yew berries and much of the yew tree contain taxines — toxic compounds that can kill humans even in small amounts. Experts warn that ingestion of just a few berries or leaves is enough to cause fatal poisoning.
Coroner’s Strong Warning
Coroner Andrew Bridgman revealed neither Benn’s father nor a Manchester City Council environmental health official knew the berries were poisonous. He blasted the lack of public awareness and urged authorities to install warning signs in public parks to prevent future tragedies.
Calls for Better Safety Measures
Following Benn’s death, council and health officials debated planting warning notices in Fletcher Moss Park. Some worried that signs might unintentionally encourage people with suicidal thoughts to consume the berries though. The coroner dismissed this concern, saying the decision to avoid signs was “not properly and fully thought through,” and pushed for urgent re-evaluation of park safety measures.
