Woman dies after ‘heated exchange in gay nightclub’

A WOMAN has died in hospital after falling and banging her head following an alleged “heated verbal exchange” in a nightclub.

The woman who died following the fall at Dundee’s Out Club, a popular haunt of the city’s gay and lesbian scene, has been named locally as Elaine Smith, 46, a Royal Mail delivery driver from Broughty Ferry.

Ms Smith was rushed by ambulance to the city’s Ninewells Hospital in the early hours of Thursday morning. During the day, her condition quickly deteriorated and she died in the hospital.

Police inquiries were continuing earlier today. A Tayside Police spokeswoman said that emergency services had been called to the Out Nightclub in Dundee’s Seagate at about 2.30am but Ms Smith had “sadly succumbed to her injuries”.

In a statement, posted on the club’s Facebook page, the nightclub alleged that Ms Smith had been involved in a “heated verbal exchange” before her fall.

The club spokesman said: “When the club closed this morning and customers were leaving, Elaine Smith had a heated verbal exchange with others. She turned away and lost her balance.

“She hit her head on the wooden flooring, which was carpeted. An ambulance was called and, when they arrived, Elaine’s condition deteriorated and she was taken to hospital.”

The statement countered earlier reports and continued: “She did not fall on the stairs. Tayside Police have spent the day reviewing CCTV and we understand that at this time they are taking no further action.

“The club management continue to offer the highest level of co-operation to the police. It is hoped this statement will stop speculation and rumour.”

In a second posting, the club stated: “Tayside Police have just confirmed the passing of Elaine. Our thoughts are with all her friends and family at this time. R.I.P.”

A number of tributes to Ms Smith were also posted on line. One read: “Such a marvellous friend, taken too soon. One of a kind and very kind to me. Sadly missed already.”

Another friend said: “Rest in peace, a legend is sadly missed but never forgotten.”

Ewan Sime, the delivery office manager for the Royal Mail in Dundee, said: “Royal Mail’s deepest sympathy is with her family and friends at this very sad time. She was a much valued, hard-working and loved colleague and will be greatly missed by all staff.”

A spokeswoman for Tayside Police said: “Inquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances into this incident. We would appeal to anyone who was at the nightclub or who has any information that could assist the investigation to contact Tayside Police. A report will be submitted in due course to the procurator fiscal.”