A GARDENER was electrocuted after cutting through a wire while pruning a hedge, an inquest heard.
Blair Campbell was carrying out work on an ivy-covered bush when he accidentally came into contact with a substation wire.
The 35-year-old was airlifted to hospital following the horror but tragically died shortly after.
An inquest at Cheshire Coroner’s Court found the dad-of-two died from electrocution.
His devastated wife Tina Campbell said her life had been “completely shattered” following “soul mate” Blair’s death.
She added: “I’ll never forget the feeling when I was told that he had died. He’d gone off to work as normal and said it was only a half day so I didn’t expect it was a big job.
“So when I was told that Blair had had an accident, I remember thinking he would be okay as he was so fit and healthy.
“But then I found out how serious it was and he’d been airlifted.
“My heart sank when I was taken into the relative’s room at the hospital, and it was completely shattered when the doctor told me Blair had died.
“To this day, I still wake up hoping that it’s all been a terrible nightmare.”
The inquest was told Blair ran firm, Blue Kiwi Gardens and Maintenance, after moving to the UK from New Zealand to be with Tina.
On October 3, 2022, he had gone to work to prune the hedge when he suffered the fatal shock.
Thick ivy on the bush had covered warning signs about the substation – meaning Blair was unaware of the danger underneath.
The court was told that before Blair’s death, numerous reports had been made about a need to remove the ivy that were not acted on.
SP Energy Networks, which maintains the substation, has now made changes to its health and safety policy.
Following Blair’s death, which was reported to the Health and Safety Executive, Tina instructed lawyers Irwin Mitchell to help her obtain answers at the inquest.
Steve Hill, representing Tina, said: “Understandably, coming to terms with losing Blair at such a young age has been incredibly difficult for Tina who continues to struggle with his sudden and tragic death.
“She’s also understandably had a number of questions and concerns over what happened to Blair, and while nothing will make up for her loss, we’re pleased to have at least been able to provide Tina with some of the answers she deserved.”
