Man struck by tree near Stafford cemetery dies

A man has died after being struck by a falling tree on a footpath by a cemetery in Stafford.

The large tree fell across the pathway known as the Isobel Trail

The 58-year-old man was found to be in a cardiac arrest on the Isabel Trail off Eccleshall Road this morning.

Staffordshire Police said the man was confirmed dead at the scene near Eccleshall Road Cemetery.

An investigation is now under way into the causes behind the tree falling.

Interactive map of the scene

Emergency services were called at around 6.40am by a member of the public to reports that a tree had fallen on a man.

Three ambulances a paramedic officer attended along with firefighters, who used a circular saw to cut the tree to allow access to him.

A force spokeswoman said: "Sadly, paramedics were unable to save him and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ambulances and police were sent to the scene. Photo: Zoe Napierska

"At this time, it's believed he was struck by a falling tree."

The man's family are being supported by officers, police said.

Jonathon Price, Staffordshire County Councillor and Stafford Borough Councillor for the area, said: "Obviously it's an extremely sad time for his family.

Councillor Jonathan Price visited the scene to offer his help to emergency services

"A full investigation will take place, but it's extremely sad.

"Nobody sets out to go for a morning walk and not return and my thoughts go out to his family.

"They have got the full support of Staffordshire County Council.

"If there's anything I can do for the family of the man, or for the emergency services, that's what I'll do."

Police remained at the scene next to the cemetery while an investigation into the circumstances of the death continued

William Conaghan, spokesman for Stafford Borough Council, said: "This is very sad news.

"All our thoughts are with the family of the deceased.

"We were contacted by the police earlier this morning to alert us to this tragic situation.

"We have liaised with the emergencies services and county council to see if there is any help we can give.”

Police were guiding people away from Isobel Trail where the tree fell

The death will be referred to the coroner in due course.

Helen Fisher, cabinet member for highways and transport at Staffordshire County Council, said: “We are all incredibly sorry to hear about this tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the gentleman’s family.

“Police have currently closed off the site while they carry out their investigations and the site will be investigated in due course.”

Zoe Napierska, who was walking in the area just minutes after the tree fell, added: "I walk there every morning at that time when the man was hit.

"Luckily this morning I dropped my son off to work so I was 15 minutes later.

"The police were just cordoning it off when I was there at 7am."