Devastated Sunderland mum pays tribute to son, 28, killed after garden pillar fell on him in ‘freak accident’

A devastated mum has paid tribute to her “much loved” son who tragically died after a garden pillar fell on top of him on Good Friday.

James Douglas, 28, was killed after the pillar collapsed on him as he climbed onto a hammock, which was elevated between two brick columns.

The property developer had returned to his family home in Tunstall Village Green after work on the bank holiday and later died following the tragic ‘freak accident’.

The North East Ambulance Service, air ambulance and fire service were called to the address at around 5.30pm, but James was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The garden pillar which fell on him had been standing for 15 years.

‘Absolutely devastated’

James’ mum Lynne Wright, 50, has paid tribute to her “incredible” son following his death.

She said: “We are all absolutely devastated, completely heartbroken – James had the world at his feet, he was incredible.

"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.”

James, who also managed a letting company, funeral business Provisionwise and party event firm Gamezone along with his brother and best friend Grant Wright, 24, had planned to head out to the stables later in the afternoon where he and his girlfriend of 10 years, Lauren Crowe, had horses.

Ms Wright added: “It was like any normal day so it has come as a huge shock to everyone.

“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.

“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.

"James will be truly missed by so many people – he was exceptionally hard working and one of a kind.”

A report is now being prepared for the coroner so an inquest into the circumstances of James’ death can be held.