Did pigeon droppings cause Australian man's death?

An inquest will determine what role pigeon droppings played in the death of a Sydney man who was crushed to death by a shop awning.

Craig Taylor died on December 7, 2007 after an awning he was sheltering under during a storm at Balgowlah, on the Northern Beaches, collapsed. The hollow awning was home to dozens of pigeons and it is thought that the weight of their droppings, combined with the heavy rain, may have contributed to its collapse.



Droppings and nests were found inside the corrugated iron awning and live birds were found in the wreckage after Mr Taylor's death. His death came less than six months after another awning collapsed at Fairlight, which prompted Manly Local Council to ask business owners to carry out safety inspections.

Two assistants from pharmacies under the awning told of seeing "dozens" of pigeons around the area. The inquest before Coroner Hugh Dillon continues.