Inquest Opens into Death of Beloved Safari Guide and Hemsby Resident Peter Pocket

Norfolk, England — An inquest into the death of Peter Pocket, a retired safari tour guide originally from Zimbabwe, recently commenced at the Norfolk Coroners’ Court. The investigation aims to provide clarity on the circumstances leading to his untimely death at the age of 68.

Peter Pocket, a resident of Hemsby before his death, spent his early years in Zimbabwe where he was born on December 9, 1955. Prior to retiring to the quiet county of Norfolk, Pocket’s adventurous spirit found expression in his work, leading safari tours that introduced tourists to the wonders of the African wilderness.

The coroner’s court, overseen by Area Coroner Samantha Goward, heard preliminary details regarding Pocket’s final days. His wife, Jill Pocket, expressed her deep sorrow online, emphasizing how Peter had been not only her life partner but a steadfast support in her life. “Miss you always. Always a smile on your face, no matter what,” she wrote, “You were my rock. Always there for me. God bless. Life will never be the same. Miss you so very much.”

In relation to his healthcare, the court was informed of his admittance to James Paget Hospital in August 2024. His condition necessitated a transfer to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, after which he was returned to James Paget Hospital on September 27. It was at this facility in Gorleston where Peter Pocket ultimately passed away on October 9, succumbing to multiple organ failure.

The forthcoming full inquest, scheduled later this year, is expected to further examine the timeline of medical care provided to Pocket and potentially identify any contributory factors to his demise. Such inquests are a routine but critical part of investigating unexpected or unexplained deaths, shedding light on whether any broader issues of healthcare management need to be addressed.

Peter’s journey from the vibrant landscapes of Africa to the peaceful English countryside encapsulates a life filled with both adventure and tranquility. As the community and his family await further details from the inquest, his legacy as a kind-hearted and adventurous soul remains celebrated by all who knew him.