Footpath closed after death of man stuck by falling tree
Part of a footpath where a man died after being struck by a falling tree in Stafford will remain closed.
The 58-year-old was found to be in a cardiac arrest on the Isabel Trail off Eccleshall Road yesterday morning.
Health and safety experts have been on site today to carry out further investigations into the circumstances and cause of a tree fall onto the path.
As a result the trail by the cemetery will be closed from Izaak Walton Close to the section by The Range for the time being and people are being asked not to use the trail.
The weekly Saturday Isabel Trail Parkrun has also been cancelled.
Philip Atkins, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: “While we still don’t know the full circumstances of Thursday’s terrible accident the safety of people using the trail must be our priority.
“Health and safety teams have been on site and it is has been decided that a section of the trail should remain closed until further investigations and tree inspections can take place.
“We know that the trail is hugely popular, but we are asking people not to be tempted to use this section of the trail until investigations can be fully completed. The weekly parkrun has also been cancelled.”
Staffordshire County Council Highways will be making the area by the cemetery safe and will continue to work closely with the Health & Safety Executive on its investigations.
Councillor Atkins added: “All our thoughts of course remain with this gentleman’s family following this tragic accident.”
