An inquest into the death of a tree surgeon who was killed after being struck by a branch in a freak tree-felling incident has recorded a conclusion of accidental death.
Martin Hanks, a 34-year-old married father-of-two from Thurstonland, near Holmfirth, died in the accident in April while working on a contract in High Hoyland, near Barnsley.
He was hit on the head by a branch while working with two colleagues at the former All Hallows Church.
The Health and Safety Executive was represented at the inquest in Barnsley by inspector Carol Downes, who gave evidence.
The investigation into what happened is continuing and a HSE spokesman said because of that their only comment was that “our investigation is ongoing”.
Any decision on whether the HSE will take action as a result of the investigation is yet to be made.
Mr Hanks was highly regarded in Thurstonland and a major fundraising drive took place following the tragedy to raise thousands of pounds for his family. He leaves behind wife, Emma and two children, four-year-old Lucca and one-year-old Esme. Richard Billington, landlord of The Rose and Crown, Thurstonland, said: “He was a great lad.”
