R.I.P. Michael Edwards
Unknown
5 September 2010
ELO cellist killed by hay bale in freak van Devon crash
An early member of British rock group ELO was killed when his van was
crushed by a bale of hay, police said.
Cellist Mike Edwards, 62, died instantly in the accident on the A381 in
Halwell, Devon, on Friday.
Police are investigating if the 600kg bale fell from a tractor on
nearby farmland before rolling on to the road.
Mr Edwards was identified using photographs and YouTube footage but
police are trying to contact his family to carry out a formal
identification.
Officers believe the musician swerved into another vehicle as he was
struck at about 1230 BST. The other driver was not hurt.
Sgt Steve Walker, of Devon and Cornwall police traffic unit, said:
"This was a tragic accident and we have now identified the victim as
Michael Edwards, a founder member of ELO.
"We have used photographs and YouTube footage to identify him but we
now need help contacting his family for formal identification.
"We don't believe he was ever married and we have identified an
ex-girlfriend but she is currently abroad."
Officers are trying to contact a man named David in the Yorkshire area
who is believed to be Mr Edwards' brother.
Mr Edwards is understood to have no immediate family but may have
taught cello in Devon.
He was with the Birmingham band from 1972 to 1975.