FARM TRAGEDY

Man, 44, found dead by his fiancée after falling into river while using ride-on mower at family farm

A MAN was found dead by his fiancée after falling into a river while using a ride-on mower at his family's farm, an inquest heard today.

Simon James Theaker, 44, was mowing grass at the family farm in Cusop, near Hay-on-Wye, Wales, on Tuesday last week when the horror unfolded.

He fell down a 10-foot bank and landed face down in the water with the mower on top of him.

Simon was discovered by his fiancée hours later as she went outside to water the garden.

Police, firefighters and an air ambulance were scrambled but he was confirmed dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said in a statement: “We were called to a property in Cusop to an accident involving a ride-on lawn mower and its rider, a 44-year-old male.

FARM TRAGEDY

“Tragically the male died at the scene. Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.”

An inquest was opened and adjourned today by the Coroner for the South Wales and Central area.

The hearing was told the accident happened at Mill Cottage, Llangwathan Farm, Cusop.

The coroner’s office said in a statement: “Mr Simon Theaker was at his father’s home at Llangwathan Farm.

She then realised that Mr Theaker was underneath the lawn mower, face down in the river.Coroner for the South Wales and Central

“He took the family ride-on lawn mower from the farm to his property a short distance away at Mill Cottage.

“His father could hear the mower for between an hour to two hours, then it went silent.

“At approximately 6pm, Mr Theaker’s fiancée returned to the property. She pottered around the house and then went outside to water some plants.

“At around 6.20pm she saw the mower down the bank, on its side in the river. It was approximately a 10-foot drop.

"FACE DOWN"

“She then realised that Mr Theaker was underneath the lawn mower, face down in the river.

“She went back to the house and called for assistance. All the emergency services attended the scene and Mr Theaker was pronounced life extinct at 6.52pm.”

Simon ran a coffee roastery, Black Mountain Roast, from the family farm.

Parents Ailsa and John said in an online statement: “Simon had a tragic fatal accident when the ride-on-mower fell over a bank and trapped him in the Dingle. The response from his many friends and the community has been overwhelming and comforting to us…

“There will be a small private Humanist ceremony for family and invited friends. Simon will rest in his favourite place on the farm.

“When this current situation eases we will have an open ‘Simon style’ celebration for him... He will be fondly remembered…

“The help of Emergency Services was magnificent. Please send any donation to the Fire Fighters Charity.”