Inquest for Azhar Baig who died after falling at Stair Hole

Azhar Baig was on a family day trip to Lulworth Cove in Dorset when he slipped while climbing up a picturesque arch at Stair Hole.

He hit his head on the rocks below and died at the scene from head injuries.

The tragic incident was witnessed by the 47-year-old's brother-in-law, who was above him on the climb up.

Mr Baig, a father-of-two, had twice successfully jumped from the top of the rock arch at Stair Hole but fell on his third attempt.

The air ambulance at Stair Hole on Sunday. Picture: Georgina Richards

A Bournemouth inquest into his death heard that he had travelled to Dorset from his home town of Luton, Beds, in July 2021 with his wife, brother-in-law and their children.

The group had originally planned to travel to Durdle Door, but when the car park was full, they decided to go to Lulworth Cove instead, the inquest heard.

Read more: Tributes to fish and chip shop co-owner after falling to his death at Dorset cliff

Having seen a small number of people climbing one side of the arch before 'jumping from its apex,' Mr Baig and his brother-in-law, Imran, decided to attempt the daring feat themselves.

Mr Baig's widow - Naeem Akhtar - told the inquest that having heard her brother shout she turned to see her husband lying unconscious 'face up in the water.'

The inquest was told that several off duty soldiers on a day out from the nearby Lulworth Camp rushed to help Mr Baig, who owned a fish and chip shop in Luton, and pulled him from the water.

Police at the scene in the Lulworth Estate. Picture: Georgina Richards

Paramedics and coastguards rushed to his aid but he was pronounced dead at the scene. A post mortem examination confirmed he died of head injuries.

Mr Baig's widow questioned whether there were enough signs in place to warn people about the dangers associated with the location, which is owned by the Lulworth Estate.

But speaking on behalf of the Lulworth Estate, owner and manager James Weld said that every visitor to the area will have passed 'at least one warning sign.'

Read more: Coastguard called to Stair Hole to rescue three people

Paying tribute to Mr Baig, his family said: "Az was full of life and joy, always serving with a smile, bringing happiness wherever he went.

"He will be sorely missed."

Area Coroner for Dorset, Brendan Allen, described Mr Baig's death as a 'terrible tragedy.'

Stair Hole. Picture Graham Hunt

Mr Allen added: "This is undeniably a risky activity.

"On the third attempt…he slipped and hit the rocks before falling below."

In June of the same year, mother-of-five Tahira Jabeen, 46, fell 100ft to her death from the cliffs at the nearby Man O' War Bay while attempting to take a short cut down the cliff.

Mr Allen said: "If there is any good that can come out of this incident it is that people will stop and think before accessing the cost."

He recorded a verdict of accidental death.