Family distraught after man, 28, dies in freak backyard accident
A devastated mum is paying tribute to her 28-year-old son after he was killed in a freak accident in his family’s garden on Good Friday.
James Douglas, from Sunderland in the UK, died after a brick pillar — that had been standing for 15 years — collapsed on top of him as he climbed into a hammock elevated between two brick columns, the Sunderland Echo reported.
Paramedics rushed to the home but the property developer was pronounced dead at the scene.
His mum, Lynne Wright, is now mourning her “incredible” son and the loss of his bright future, saying he “had the world at his feet”.
"He had everything and he worked so hard, everything he touched turned to gold, he was such a lovely person and was loved by so many people,” she told the publication.
Ms Wright said the day had started out “normal” and that James had planned on visiting horses he owned with his girlfriend of 10 years, Lauren Crowe, later in the afternoon.
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She said his death has come as a massive shock.
“All James did was work and he was brilliant at everything he did, but his life has been tragically cut short – we are so distraught,” the mum said.
“You don’t expect things like this to happen to your family and we don’t know how or why the pillar fell down because it’s been standing for so long.”
Man's girlfriend says he was her 'world'
In the wake of his death, James’ long-time girlfriend posted an image of the couple on Facebook, calling him “her world”.
The 28-year-old’s brother, Grant Wright, has also taken to social media to honour his “best friend”.
The pair managed several businesses together, according to the Sunderland Echo.
“How do you ever get over this? My brother, business partner and best friend gone like that,” he posted alongside numerous images of James.
“Anyone who knew him knows he was absolutely one of a kind and nobody came close. Mastered anything he put his mind to and his favourite saying was there is ALWAYS a way.”
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