James Southey, 50, died after a tree fell across his caravan during Storm Goretti, with tributes pouring in for the ‘gentle giant who would do anything for anyone’
Tributes have been paid to a man who died when a tree fell on his caravan during Storm Goretti. James Southey, 50 from Mawgan, near Helston, has been remembered as a “kind family man” by those who knew him.
James’ sister, Sam, took to Facebook to share her grief, describing her brother as a “gentle giant who would do anything for anyone”. She wrote: “Absolutely devastated to share the tragic news of the death of my brother James. We are all in shock and struggling to come to terms with this very sad news.
“Never in a million years years do you expect that knock on the door to be for you. He was a gentle giant who would do anything for anyone. We will miss him dearly.
“Thank you for all your support and kind words.”, reports Cornwall Live.
Friends and acquaintances have been paying their respects to James online, with Caroline Blatter saying: “So sad to hear this, utterly gutted. James was such a gentle kind family man, with a lot of love to share. How missed he will be.”
Sarah Mowbray added: “James was a lovely person with a kind heart, I’m so sorry this has happened to you Sam.”
Andy Bennett posted: “Thinking of you James Southey. A true gentle giant – taken too soon. Rest up dude.”
Belinda Moore remembered James as “The kindest and sweetest ever soul. Such a great human being to everyone. Will miss our lengthy chats. ” who will be deeply missed.
Tamsyn Kitto said: “So sad, a lovely gentle man. So shocked and saddened. RIP James xx.”
The heartbreaking news was first shared by Andrew George, MP for St Ives, in a Facebook post which said: “Visited other areas including Mawgan Stores, operating without power… The village are deeply saddened and in shock following the tragic death of a local man in his 50s who died when a tree fell across his caravan near the village. A regular and cheerful customer at the shop. Our thoughts with his family.”
The Cornwall coroner’s office has confirmed the death of Mr Southey. An inquest is set to be opened and adjourned in the next few days, with a full hearing to follow.
A representative from Devon and Cornwall Police stated on Saturday: “Emergency services were called to the Mawgan area of Helston at around 7.35pm on Thursday 8 January after a tree fell onto a caravan.
“Work took place at the site on Friday 9 January to safely remove the tree and make further enquiries at the scene.
“Tragically, a man aged in his 50s was located deceased within the caravan. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”