Tributes paid to former dairy farmer killed in tanker accident
Tributes have been paid to a popular former dairy farmer who died after being trapped between a milk tanker and a wall.
Michael Padley, 60, died in an industrial accident at Bridge End Holsteins dairy farm, at Kirkby Thore, near Penrith in Cumbria .
Emergency services were called to the farm last Monday (3 November) where he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) spokesman said Mr Padley, of Ford House Farm in Baildon, West Yorkshire, suffered crush injuries after becoming trapped between a milk tanker and a wall.
It is understood he had been driving the vehicle before the accident happened. A joint police and HSE investigation is under way to establish the cause of his death but it is not believed to be suspicious.
Mr Padley was a dairy farmer at Baildon until the year 2000 when he and Val, his wife of 32 years, diversified into bed and breakfast and equestrian.
His family released a statement through Cumbria Police, paying tribute Mr Padley, who was a keen traveller and big Manchester United and rugby fan.
“Mick loved the role of serving his guests with their breakfast and his humour kept everyone entertained,” they said.
“He loved rugby and he made numerous friends through his association with rugby clubs at Cleckheaton, Goole and Ripon. He also liked football and loved Manchester United.
“He loved his work with his long-time friend Charles Payne of Paynes Dairy in Boroughbridge. Mick had many roles within the company. He was known affectionately as “Gobby” by everyone he knew and was a true friend.
“Mick loved to travel and often visited Asia, Australia and New Zealand. He recently went to Port Isaac to view the scenes from Doc Martin and sample the great beer.”
Mr Padley’s wife Val said she had been overwhelmed by the number of cards, flowers and emails she had received from around the globe from paying tribute to her husband.
“His loss leaves a big hole in the lives of many,” she added.