Man dies as tree crushes caravan during storm Goretti in Cornwall

The Storm Goretti death has shocked communities in Cornwall after a man in his 50s died when a tree fell onto a caravan during violent winds. The tragic incident highlights the deadly risks posed by extreme weather events across the south-west of England.

Emergency services rushed to the scene in Mawgan, near Helston, on Thursday evening as Storm Goretti battered the region with destructive winds.

Tree crushes caravan during red weather warning

Devon and Cornwall Police said the incident happened at around 19:35 GMT on Thursday, during a rare red weather warning for wind issued by the Met Office.

Police confirmed that responders found a man in his 50s deceased inside the caravan. Officers informed his next of kin and continue to provide support.

Authorities stressed that they are not treating the death as suspicious and will submit a full report to the coroner.

Emergency services secure the scene

On Friday, emergency crews returned to the location to safely remove the fallen tree and carry out further checks. Police worked alongside fire and rescue teams to make the area safe.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said officers completed initial inquiries and closed the scene once they ensured no further danger remained.

Storm Goretti brings extreme winds and widespread damage

Storm Goretti delivered gusts of up to 100mph (160km/h) across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, causing major disruption.

The Met Office warned that exposed areas faced serious danger, including flying debris and falling trees that could threaten life.
You can read more about red weather warnings on the Met Office website.

Cornwall faces one of its worst storms in decades

Cornwall Council described Storm Goretti as one of the most severe storms in living memory. Council teams have worked around the clock to clear fallen trees, reopen roads, and carry out emergency repairs.

Despite these efforts, the clean-up continues into the weekend.

Power Outages and Ongoing Weather Warnings

The National Grid reported that more than 34,000 properties across south-west England remain without electricity. Engineers continue repair work to restore power as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, the Met Office issued a yellow warning for ice affecting parts of east Cornwall, which is expected to last until midday Friday.

Public safety reminder during extreme weather

Authorities urge residents to take red and amber weather warnings seriously. Avoid travel during severe storms, stay away from trees and unstable structures, and follow official guidance.

For more safety advice, visit the UK government’s severe weather guidance page.