I posted this article on Walter many years ago. A former Sheffield footballer, Walter was killed by lightening whilst standing as a bookmaker at Royal Ascot on 18th June 1930.
The inquest was reported in the Times two days later
DEATH BY LIGHTNING AT ASCOT
At the inquest at Ascot last night on the body of WALTER HOLBEM, of Ribble Avenue, Southport, a bookmaker who was killed by lightning on Wednesday while standing in the Tattersalls, Ring, it was stated that there were no witnesses to the actual occurrence. Dr W.H. Brown of St Mary’s Hospital, London who was on duty behind the grandstand said that Holbem, was gasping for breath when he was brought in, and died almost immediately. His condition was consistent with his having been struck by lightning. The only mark on his body was an abrasion of the skin on his Adam’s apple. Samuel McClarence, who was employed by Holbem, said that he ran for shelter from the rain leaving Holbem standng under his umbrella. Two minutes afterwards he saw him being carried away. A verdict of “Accidental death” was returned.
The Times, June 20th 1930
But I have just found this cutting that states that a fund was set up to provide financial support for Walter's widow and four children
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