Death investigations

Harris Macdonell Fatal Accident Inquiry decision

A decision has been made to hold a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry following the death of 19 year-old Harris Macdonell on 18 August 2020.

A decision has been made to hold a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry following the death of Harris Macdonell 18 August 2020.

The Lord Advocate has decided that it is in the public interest to hold a Fatal Accident Inquiry to examine the full circumstances surrounding his tragic death.

The decision follows a thorough and independent investigation by the Procurator Fiscal.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS, said: 

“The Lord Advocate has decided that a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry should be held into the causes of this tragic death to ensure that there can be a full public hearing of the facts of the case.

“The Procurator Fiscal has now started work to initiate this inquiry and there are a number of legal steps which must be taken before it can commence.

“Harris’ family will be kept informed of what will happen next.”