Local authorities are investigating the death of a 48-year-old father who died when a 50-meter-high linden tree fell while walking his dog

• Paying a loving tribute, his family described him as a “special man”

Authorities are facing criminal proceedings over alleged health and safety violations in connection with the death of a 48-year-old father who was killed by a falling tree while walking his dog.

Chris Hall was exercising his working cocker spaniel, Benson, on a regular walk in a park in Wilmslow, Cheshire, in August 2020 when he was fatally injured by a 40-foot lime tree.

Paying tribute to the father of one, a regional manager for a software company, his family described him as a “special man” with an “exceptional work ethic and the ability to make everyone laugh and light up the room.”

“No words can express how much he was loved,” added his widow, Fiona, 55.

Now the Health and Safety Executive has announced it is taking action against both Cheshire East Council and ANSA Environmental Services Ltd, a company owned by the body.

Passers-by raised the alarm after finding that Hall had been hit by a tree on August 28, 2020, at a scenic spot called Carrs.

However, shortly afterwards, despite the efforts of the emergency services, he died.

Since his death, his widow and 25-year-old son Sam have raised almost £10,000 for children’s health charities and installed a sculpture in his memory in the park where he died.

Cheshire East Council was accused of breaching section 3(3). 1 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and ANSA Environmental Services Limited was charged with a breach of section 2(1). 1 and section 3 para.

A spokesman for the authority said: ‘As the legal process continues, our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with Mr Hall’s family.

“As this matter is subject to legal proceedings, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

The date for the commencement of court proceedings has not yet been set.

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