Family of woman with cancer say train fall led to 'utterly avoidable' death

Priscilla Tropp, 76, who had leukaemia, was treated at the bottom of the stairs at Mill Hill Broadway station, in circumstances partially disputed by Thameslink

The family of a Jewish woman suffering from cancer who died after falling down stairs at Mill Hill Broadway train station has said her death was “utterly avoidable”.

Priscilla Tropp, 76, who had leukaemia, was treated at the bottom of the stairs in circumstances partially disputed by Thameslink, which refused to elaborate until a coroner’s inquest concludes.

Tropp, a member of Edgware United Synagogue, died in the Royal Free Hospital on 27 November after suffering a cardiac arrest, internal bleeding and a ruptured spleen, an inquest heard on Tuesday.

Her family said she suffered “undignified” treatment, according to a report in the Jewish Chronicle, adding that Govia Thameslink Railway staff failed to contact police or a central control office, and did not know that the station had a defibrillator.

The inquest was told that Tropp had fallen down stairs at the same station months earlier and that the Government had subsequently allocated funding for step-free access at Mill Hill Broadway.

In a statement issued after Tuesday’ inquest, her family paid tribute to an “amazing wife, mother and grandmother” and “an active and extremely capable 76-year-old” who “managed her condition with positivity, determination and dignity”.

They added: “She lost her life due to a fall but… it could have been anyone. She fell and this tragic accident led to the needless loss of a very valuable life – someone who had given so much to so many. It was utterly avoidable.”