A MAN was crushed to death in a strange hammock accident in his garden while attempting to take an Easter nap.

James Douglas, 28, was killed when a pillar collapsed on top of him when he was attempting to get into the suspended seat suspended between two brick columns.

After work on Good Friday, the property developer returned to his family home in Tunstall Village Green in Sunderland.

At 5.30 pm, emergency personnel rushed to the property when a 15-year-old garden pillar collapsed on top of James, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lynne Wright, who has been devastated by the incident, paid homage to her “incredible” son today.

She said: “We are all absolutely devastated, completely heartbroken – James had the world at his feet, he was incredible.

“He had everything and he worked so hard, everything he touched turned to gold, he was such a lovely person and was loved by so many people.”

James – who, together with his brother and closest friend Grant, 24, also operated a letting company, a funeral home, and a party event company – intended to take a little nap before heading out to the stables later that afternoon, where he and his girlfriend of ten years, Lauren, kept horses.

Lynne, 50 added: “It was like any normal day so it has come as a huge shock to everyone. All James did was working and he was brilliant at everything he did, but his life has been tragically cut short – We are so distraught.”

A report is currently being produced for the coroner in order to conduct an inquest into the circumstances surrounding James’ death.

“You never expect things like this to happen to your family,” Lynne continued, “and we have no idea how or why the pillar fell down after standing for so long.”

“James will be truly missed by so many people – he was exceptionally hardworking and one of a kind.”

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