Tributes are pouring in for a man described as a 'gentle giant' who was tragically killed when a tree fell onto his caravan during the fierce winds of Storm Goretti.
A Fatal Incident in Mawgan
James Southey, a 50-year-old resident of farmland in Mawgan, west Cornwall, died on Thursday evening as storm-force winds battered the region. Emergency services worked throughout Friday to safely remove the fallen tree from his mobile home, but Mr Southey was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Storm Goretti's Wrath
The fatal incident occurred as Cornwall bore the brunt of the severe weather system. Gusts of up to 100mph were recorded, causing widespread disruption. The storm's impact was severe, leaving nearly 70,000 homes without power across the region. On a tidal island near Cornwall, residents reported that close to 80 trees had been brought down by Friday morning.
Heartfelt Tributes to a 'Kind Family Man'
Mr Southey's sister, Sam, led the emotional tributes, posting on social media to share the devastating news. "Absolutely devastated to share the tragic news of the death of my brother James," she wrote. "We are all in shock and struggling to come to terms with this very sad news."
She poignantly added, "Never in a million 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."
His friend, Caroline Blatter, echoed the sentiment, 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." Other friends remembered him as the "kindest and sweetest soul" and a "true gentle giant taken too soon."
Police have confirmed that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. An inquest will be formally opened in due course. The community in Mawgan and across Cornwall is now mourning the loss of a man whose kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
