Tribute to man who survived Bournemouth building site fall

Not only did Dave Connolly survive the near-fatal fall, he learned to walk again, raised a family, and overcame 30 years of health setbacks with grit and determination.

One year on from his passing at the age of 69, Dave’s family have shared his story to “inspire others” to make the most of life.

The year was 1992 and Dave Connolly, originally from Bootle in Merseyside, was working as a labourer at a construction site not far from Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

While working on the top of a new building, several of Dave’s colleagues left to take a break.

Unaware Dave was still on the roof, a crane driver with impaired vision began driving and hit Dave – sending him hurtling headfirst more than 25ft towards the ground.

Dave Connolly (Image: Connolly family)

“He was always able to remember that moment,” Dave’s daughter Ellie-mae told the Echo.

“He remembered being hit and falling. He didn’t go unconscious after being hit and knew he was falling headfirst.

“Seconds before hitting the ground he was able to grab some scaffolding, that spun him around the right way and that’s when he was knocked out.”

Unconscious and with a dislocated arm, Dave was rushed to the nearby Bournemouth Hospital in critical condition. He survived, but was told by doctors he had life changing injuries and there was a strong possibility he would never walk again.

Ellie-mae said: “He was in hospital for a long time but defied all odds and it was around the six month mark where he got up and started his physio.”

The Connolly family. (L-R) Jan, Ellie-mae, Rhys and Dave (Image: Connolly family)

Incredibly, despite the near-fatal accident, Dave went back to work as a labourer and welcomed twins Ellie-mae and Rhys in 1996 with wife Jan.

Injuries sustained in the accident continued to plague Dave and he ended up having an astonishing 11 hip replacement surgeries between 1992 and 2021.

In June 2019, he was diagnosed with heart failure and sepsis at the same time and was told he needed surgery or the condition would be terminal.

“He made another exceptional recovery from another huge strain on his body and as his family we were so proud of him,” Ellie-mae added.

“He walked after every single operation he had. Independence and pride were always really big things for dad.”

Dave Connolly (Image: Connolly family)

Just under a year into recovery from his eleventh hip replacement, despite making great strides, Dave suffered from a sudden seizure at home on July 30, 2022.

Efforts to reverse a bleed on the brain were unsuccessful and he died peacefully at Bournemouth Hospital on the morning of July 31 with his family by his side.

One year on, the Connolly family have nothing but fond memories. Ellie-mae concluded: “I will forever be so proud of my dad and I hope his legacy of strength and positivity through anything will always live on.

“We would like to dedicate our love to him one year on since his passing, and hope his journey can inspire others to always remember that life really is worth fighting for.”