A Shropshire mechanic died when the Land Rover he was working off came off a ramp and crushed him, a coroner has ruled.

Russell Powell, 61 and of Barleyfield, died shortly after midnight on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at his garage on the Wem Industrial Estate.

He was found at the scene by his wife, his inquest on Wednesday (April 17) was told.

West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedics attended the scene but were not able to resuscitate Mr Powell and officers from West Mercia Police who investigated the incident were satisfied that there were no suspicious circumstances involved in his death.

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Shropshire coroner John Ellery told the inquest hearing at Shirehall on Wednesday that Mr Powell had taken delivery of a part for the vehicle on December 20 and had gone to his unit at around 4.30pm.


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Mr Powell was replacing a part required to ensure the vehicle passed its MOT, but the work required it to be placed on a ramp while he carried out the procedure underneath.

However, when his wife arrived, she found him under the vehicle at around 11.35pm.

The inquest was told that it had come off the ramp for reasons unknown, and had crushed him underneath.

Concluding the hearing, Mr Ellery gave a conclusion of accidental death.