Inquest Probes Fatal Cow Attack on Retired Teacher Along Hadrian’s Wall

The death of Malcolm Flynn in 2020 raises questions about livestock safety after cows with calves displayed unusually aggressive behavior, despite warning signs in the area.

Malcolm Flynn, a 72-year-old retired teacher and experienced walker, died after being repeatedly attacked by cows while walking near Thirlwall Castle Farm in September 2020.
The cows, accompanied by calves, exhibited atypical aggression, charging at Flynn and his companion, Christopher Barkless, who escaped by climbing a tree.
Despite the presence of a warning sign cautioning walkers about the unpredictability of cows with calves, Flynn sustained fatal chest injuries during the attack.
The inquest is examining a prior incident at the same farm in 2019, where two walkers were injured by cows, raising concerns about recurring safety risks.
Flynn’s health conditions, including glaucoma and arthritis, may have impacted his ability to respond to the attack, which ended only when an air ambulance arrived 30 minutes later.