Fatal accident inquiry to be held into death of Premier Inn receptionist who fell through roof of Dundee hotel

A Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) will investigate the death of a hotel receptionist who fell through a roof in Dundee.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a First Notice to begin court processes into the death of Garry Anderson at a Premier Inn Hotel in Kingsway West.

The 62-year-old receptionist died on August 24, 2023 from injuries suffered after falling through a panel on a walkway roof at the hotel two days prior.

A preliminary hearing has been set for July 31, 2025 at Dundee Sheriff Court.

The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) includes determining the cause of death; the circumstances in which the deaths occurred, and to establish what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken, and could be implemented in the future, to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.          

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.    

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “The death of Garry Anderson occurred while in the course of his employment and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.         

“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.         

 “Mr Anderson’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”  