Ben Hardy, who “travelled the country working his dream career”, died after a fire broke out on the houseboat near the Anchor Inn on the River Avon, where he is believed to have been working
This is the talented chef – always at his happiest in the kitchen – who died after a fire took hold of a houseboat on Christmas Day near the pub in which he was working.
Ben Hardy, 37, “travelled the country working his dream career,” his devastated family said today. The chef, who also loved music, was on board the vessel near the Anchor Inn on the River Avon in Wyre Piddle, Worcestershire when it caught alight on December 25.
Emergency services dashed to the blaze but Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed a man had died at the scene. He has since been named as Mr Hardy, a popular son, brother, uncle and great uncle.
His sister, Kirstie Trower, wrote on a GoFundMe page: “Ben was working in Worcestershire just for the festive/new year period and tragically lost his life early Christmas Day morning when a fire broke out on the houseboat he was staying on as accommodation.
“My mum devastatingly received a visit from the police later on Christmas Day to inform her. I can’t put into words how devastated we all are.”
The page has been created to help the family, from Worcestershire, pay for funeral expenses. More than £1,000 has already been donated, including money from strangers.
Kirstie added: “Ben leaves behind our mum, stepdad, nieces, nephews, great-nephews. We are hoping to raise funds for Ben’s funeral and wake. Being so footloose and fancy-free, Ben, at only 37, had never thought about putting things in place.”
Since the blaze on Christmas Day, the manager at The Anchor Inn has decided to step down. Toni, who did not want to provide his last name, told Worcester News the tragedy has left him unable to carry on with the business.
He said: “The tragedy on Christmas Day left me unable to continue the business. Someone has lost their life. For the last nine months of being part of this incredible journey, the time has come for me to move on to new opportunities.
“It has been an honour to contribute to Wyre Piddle and The Anchor Inn and to be part of such a talented and passionate community. I will truly miss the connections and memories I have made here.” The death is being treated as unexplained, with early indications being that it was not suspicious.
