A BRIDGWATER father has been killed in a tragic accident at work.

Erwin Rhodes, aged 42, who ran his own skip and plant hire company, was electrocuted while working in a drainage ditch in Axe Road in the town.

An air ambulance and six ambulance crews including a heart team went to the scene but they were unable to save him.

His distraught family told the Mercury they are still trying to come to terms with the news.

Wife Julie said: “I would like to say a very big thank you to everyone for all their support and best wishes at this sad and difficult time. Erwin was our rock and my soul mate who will be sadly missed every day.”

His stepson Chris James, aged 28 said: “We were told by Julie on Monday about what had happened and we all just couldn’t believe it.

We are still in shock now. He had been working with another chap and there was a terrible accident.

“He was a really well-known and well-loved person around Bridgwater. In fact Julie didn’t really know how popular he was until we got so many cards and flowers when people heard what had happened.”

Erwin, originally from Stogursey, celebrated his fifth wedding anniversary with wife Julie on September 4, although the couple had been together for 17 years. He leaves a son Harry, aged 14, as well as stepson Chris, who is married to Helen and another stepson Robert Clegg, 25. He also leaves his mother Pauline and brother Dehane.

Ron Peppin, who knew him for many years through Erwin’s business Plant Hire Somerset which carried out work including skip hire and demolition, said: “He was a lovely bloke. Catch you later gentle giant.”

James Spuffard of Blown-it services, Bridgwater hose specialists, said: “It has been a big shock. I saw him two days before on the Saturday. If he could do you a favour he would. He will be sorely missed by everyone.”

Erwin was a member of the Sedgemoor Vintage Club and members will be paying tribute to him at his funeral next Monday by taking part in a tractor procession to St Mary’s Church, Cannington. The service will start at 1pm.