Dad crushed to death by falling rocks as he set up hammock for anniversary

A father was killed when a 1.5-tonne rock fell on him in Cornwall.

Doug Curry, 66, was hanging up a hammock during celebrations for his 35th wedding anniversary when he was killed in the freak accident.

Emergency services were called to Sandymouth Bay near Bude at around noon on Tuesday.

His body was recovered the next day following a massive search operation.

Mr Curry, from Hampshire, was camping with his wife Maggie and they were spending the day at a spot she had visited since childhood.

The couple’s children wrote: ‘Dad and mum were camping in Cornwall. The two of them walked and spent time at the beach that Maggie and her family have gone to since she was a young girl.

‘They celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on the 14th of July. On the 16th they set up against the cliff that we children remember from our childhood holidays.

‘Dad tried to string his hammock on the rocks close by but hadn’t had any luck, so went to try at another spot. He went to adjust his hammock and a large rock fell and took his life.

‘A lifeguard was nearby and was with dad in under a minute; he found that dad had already died.

‘Thankfully, family and friends were able to join mum within three hours.

‘All his children were there within 24 hours from around the world. We are thankful to have such a beautiful place to remember him.’

Cornwall coroners office has confirmed that the inquest into Mr Curry’s death was opened and adjourned on Tuesday.

A fundraising page has now been set up to raise money for funeral costs.