Business owner killed in roof fall

Mar 12 2008 by Babette Decker, The Journal

TRIBUTES have been paid to a North businessman who died after falling 30ft from the roof of his home.

Brian Iley was killed after attempting to fix a loose tile before the arrival of heavy gales on Sunday, it has been reported.

The 41-year-old managing director of Occasions Limousines, lived with his family in an upmarket property in Blackhall Colliery, County Durham.

Last night, his partner Sharon Dunn, who has a young son, was being comforted by relatives including Mr Iley’s mother and was too emotional to speak to The Journal.

But friends said “big-hearted” Mr Iley was very popular and the news has devastated the close-knit community.

Peter Crosby, 65, owner of The Ship Inn, High Hesleden, near Hartlepool, said: “You couldn’t get a better person than Brian, he was a very, very nice person. He was a local lad and has always lived around the area.

“Brian was big-hearted and he was in his prime, he had everything going for him and then this happens.

“The news has been a tremendous shock to everyone as he was very popular.”

Friend of 17 years, Christopher Green, 32, from Hartlepool, added: “Brian was very well liked. He would do anything for anyone and wouldn’t charge a penny.

“He will be missed and I still can’t come to terms with what has happened. It is tragic.

“My heart goes out to his family. His mother lived for him and I really feel for his partner.

“They will be pushed to find a church big enough for everyone who will want to pay their condolences.”

Paramedics were called to Mr Iley’s home in Fillpoke Lane at around 3.30pm on Sunday where they found him unconscious with serious head injuries.

He was taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool but was confirmed dead on arrival.