Man who died in Storm Goretti named locally as tributes to 'gentle giant' pour in - Cornwall Live

'Never in a million years years do you expect that knock on the door to be for you'.

The man who died during Storm Goretti has been named locally as tributes pour in.

A beloved local who died when a tree fell across his caravan has been named as "kind family man" James Southey.

The 50-year-old lived at a farm in Mawgan, near Helston.

Tributes to James have been shared online, including by his sister, Sam, who said he was a "gentle giant who would do anything for anyone".

Posting on Facebook, she wrote: "Absolutely devastated to share the tragic news of the death of my brother James. We are all in shock and struggling to come to terms with this very sad news.

"Never in a million years years do you expect that knock on the door to be for you. He was a gentle giant who would do anything for anyone. We will miss him dearly.

"Thank you for all your support and kind words."

Caroline Blatter added: "So sad to hear this, utterly gutted. James was such a gentle kind family man, with a lot of love to share. How missed he will be."

Sarah Mowbray said: "James was a lovely person with a kind heart, I'm so sorry this has happened to you Sam."

Andy Bennett posted: "Thinking of you James Southey. A true gentle giant - taken too soon. Rest up dude."

Belinda Moore added: "The kindest and sweetest ever soul. Such a great human being to everyone. Will miss our lengthy chats. "

Tamsyn Kitto said: "So sad, a lovely gentle man. So shocked and saddened. RIP James xx."

The devastating news of a fatality during the storm was initially shared by Andrew George, MP for St Ives, whose constituency covers the area.

Writing on Facebook, he said at the time: "Visited other areas including Mawgan Stores, operating without power... The village are deeply saddened and in shock following the tragic death of a local man in his 50s who died when a tree fell across his caravan near the village. A regular and cheerful customer at the shop. Our thoughts with his family."

The Cornwall coroner's office confirmed it has received a report of the death of James Southey. An inquest will be opened and adjourned in the coming days for a full hearing to take place subsequently.A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said on Saturday: "Emergency services were called to the Mawgan area of Helston at around 7.35pm on Thursday 8 January after a tree fell onto a caravan.

"Work took place at the site on Friday 9 January to safely remove the tree and make further enquiries at the scene.

"Tragically, a man aged in his 50s was located deceased within the caravan. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner."