Fisherman's Friends Singer Dies From Injuries

The sea shanty group Fisherman's Friends are mourning the loss of their colleague following an accident in which their tour manager was also killed.

Trevor Grills, 54, suffered serious head injuries when he was hit by a falling metal door at the G Live concert venue in Guildford, Surrey, on Saturday.

The Cornish-based group's tour manager, Paul McMullen, died soon after the accident from leg injuries.

Mr Grills was taken to St George's Hospital in Tooting, south London, where he was pronounced dead on Monday night.

In a statement, the 10-piece band paid tribute to Mr Grills as "a much-loved and valued friend". A spokesman added: "We are all devastated."

The statement said: "The Fisherman's Friends announce with great sadness that their friend and fellow band member Trevor Grills passed away last night as a result of severe head injuries inflicted during an accident on Saturday, February 9.

"Trevor was a much-loved and valued friend to all of us and was an integral part of the Port Isaac community. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with Trevor's family at this very difficult time."

Darcus Beese, president of Island Records, the group's label, added: "We are all deeply saddened at losing Trevor. The Fisherman's Friends are exactly that: life-long partners in all they do and our thoughts and prayers go out to them and Trevor's family and friends."

Police were called to G Live shortly before midday on Saturday after a report that two men were trapped under a metal door in the loading bay.

Mr McMullen, who is believed to be a father and husband from Stockport, was treated by paramedics but was declared dead at the scene.

The Friends were due to be performing that night as part of a tour but the concert was cancelled following the tragedy. The venue has since reopened.

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed of the accident, Surrey Police confirmed.

Fans of Fisherman's Friends have paid tribute to Mr Grills, one of the younger members of the band who often took the lead in its more melancholic numbers.

Writing on the group's Facebook page, Sarah Lee said: "Words seem pointless, but apart from sending you all love there's not much else we can offer.

"Know that you are in our hearts at this terribly sad time."

Fellow fan Charlie Mason added: "Such sad news - we saw you all in Cheltenham on Thursday, and loved it - Trevor bought joy to people - a gift few of us have. We've lost someone special."

Steph Woodhouse wrote: "Oh such dreadful news, was hoping against hope he would pull through. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all the village that has welcomed us so warmly over the years. Thinking of Port Isaac."