Leeds millionaire dies "in Segway accident"

raveydavey · Post by **raveydavey** » Mon 27 Sep, 2010 5:45 pm

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/n ... 81.jpLeeds multi-millionaire killed 'in Segway accident' Defence multi-millionaire Jimi Heselden has died in a freak accident. Jimi Heselden, whose company builds and markets the Segway upright scooter, died when he apparently rode one of his machines over a cliff and into a river, it was disclosed today. West Yorkshire Police said the 62-year-old was found in the River Wharfe, at Boston Spa, near Wetherby, yesterday morning, and died at the scene. It appeared Mr Heselden had driven over a cliff into the river. It is understood a Segway was found nearby. Mr Heselden made his fortune when his Leeds-based firm Hesco Bastion developed the "blast wall" basket, which protect soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, as a replacement for traditional sandbags. Last year he led a British team which bought the United States-based Segway firm, which makes and distributes the distinctive two-wheeled, self-balancing scooters. Today a West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Police have named James William Heselden as the 62-year-old local man who was pronounced dead yesterday after being pulled from the River Wharfe near to Leys Lane at Boston Spa. "Officers were called to the incident around 11.40am following a call from a member of the public. "Mr Heselden, who is from Thorp Arch, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. "The incident is not believed to be suspicious and the coroner has been informed." Mr Heselden was as well-known for his charity giving as he was for his massive fortune. But he had humble beginnings in the Halton Moor area of Leeds, leaving school at 15 and working down the local pits. Years later he brought hundreds of jobs to the city with the revolutionary protection baskets made by his firm Hesco Bastion Ltd since 1990. The "concertainer" units have been used to protect soldiers in every major conflict since the first Gulf war and is seen as one of the UK's most successful defence exports. They are also used for a range of non-military functions including flood management and erosion control. Mr Heselden struck the deal to buy Segway in December last year. The firm was started by inventor Dean Kamen in 1999 after he developed the electric two-wheeled, self-balancing vehicle. The tycoon, who lived on an estate in the countryside to the north-east of Leeds, had a fortune reported to be £166 million, making him one of the top 400 richest people in the UK. But he is also reported to have given more than £20 million to charity, especially those connected to tackling deprivation in his home city. Earlier this year he told the Yorkshire Post: "There are people out there who are making money and when times are good I honestly believe people have a moral obligation to use their wealth to help others." He added: "Life turned out pretty well for me, but I still work in the same area where I grew up and every day I see people who for whatever reason are down on their luck." In a statement Hesco Bastion said: "It is with great sadness that we have to confirm that Jimi Heselden OBE has died in a tragic accident near his home in West Yorkshire. "Jimi Heselden, 62, was chairman of Hesco Bastion Ltd, the world leading manufacturer of protective barriers, and owner of Segway Inc. "Jimi is perhaps best known for his charity work with Help for Heroes and the Leeds Community Foundation. "A £10m gift to the foundation earlier this month saw his lifetime charitable donations top £23m. "Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends, who have asked for privacy at this time." Tom Riordan, the chief executive of Leeds City Council, said: "We are all devastated and saddened to hear of the tragic death of Jimi Heselden OBE. "Jimi was an amazing man who, apart from being a wonderful success story for Leeds due to his business acumen, was also remarkably selfless and generous, giving millions to local charities to help people in his home city. "As a council we enjoyed great success with Jimi and Hesco Bastion, working together with them to achieve a historic gold medal for the city at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and everyone who knew him will remember his quiet manner, good nature, and tremendous pride in being from Leeds. "He will be hugely missed and at this awful time our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Leeds Hippo · Post by **Leeds Hippo** » Mon 27 Sep, 2010 7:43 pm

It would be nice if the Canal Garden could be reconstructed in Leeds (Roundhay Park?) to celebrate the mans life - the guy's an hero.

Keg · Post by **Keg** » Mon 27 Sep, 2010 8:00 pm

The YEP did a great editorial on him very recentlyitely gives to charity.Agree that a permanent memorial would be a great idea.

dogduke · Post by **dogduke** » Tue 28 Sep, 2010 1:55 am

This sad event happened the previous day before noon,given that the police/coroner might have delayed releasing info it could still have had coverage in a proper 'evening paper'KeyholeKate knew.Aswell as missing the event they printed a reader's letter praising the generous charitable works of Mr.Heselden in thepast and looked forward to his future donations.Sadly,a typical example of this so called local/evening newspaper.Totally out of touch with reality and the locality.R.I.P. Jimi,I feel sure your family will continue your good work. .

Leeds Hippo · Post by **Leeds Hippo** » Tue 05 Oct, 2010 8:35 pm

Some very moving obituaries in tonights YEP - first time I've seen a full page dedicated to one man.