A man who died when a tree fell on his caravan during Storm Goretti has been named as James Southey, a 50-year-old from Mawgan near Helston, Cornwall. Emergency services were called to the scene at around 7.35pm on Thursday, 8 January, and his body was discovered inside the caravan.
Tributes have poured in for Mr Southey, described by his sister Sam as a 'gentle giant who would do anything for anyone'. She wrote on Facebook: '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.'
Friends and family have shared their grief online. Caroline Blatter called him a 'gentle kind family man, with a lot of love to share', while Sarah Mowbray remembered him as 'a lovely person with a kind heart'. Andy Bennett posted: 'A true gentle giant - taken too soon. Rest up dude.'
Andrew George, MP for St Ives, expressed the community's shock, noting that Mr Southey was a 'regular and cheerful customer' at the local shop. The Cornwall coroner's office has received a report of the death, and an inquest will be opened and adjourned in the coming days.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious. A spokesperson said: '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.'
