Human cannonball died doing what he loved, say friends - The Guardian

A performer whose human cannonball stunt went horribly wrong died doing what he loved, friends said.

Police and safety officials are investigating the circumstances of Matt Cranch's death in front of bank holiday crowds at the Kent county showground in Detling.

Tributes poured in for Cranch, 23, who was nicknamed Wiggles and used the stage name Matt "The Manx" Crank, because he came from the Isle of Man.

On Facebook his friend James White described him as "one of the best guys I have ever known" and a "true legend of the dub and social scene" in Newquay, Cornwall, where he had lived for several years. "Dude I know you went doing something that you absolutely loved," White wrote.

Will Ashworth, his former boss at the Hotel at Watergate Bay, near Newquay, said: "He was with us for three years and was an extremely popular guy and much loved by everybody here."

A former flatmate, Amy, said: "He was a very adventurous and fun-loving guy and will be sadly missed by everyone."

Cranch was taken to Maidstone General hospital after the accident but could not be saved. Kent police are investigating the incident alongside health and safety officials from Maidstone borough council, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been consulted.

Police asked for onlookers to come forward and to hand over any footage of the incident.

Witnesses said the net meant to catch Cranch during the Scott May's Daredevil Stunt Show appeared to be flat on the ground after he was fired into the air.

Rob Hutchinson, 42, from Tenterden, Kent, said: "The net was already up. He climbed out on top, climbed down into the tube, they gave this countdown then he came out of the tube – he was probably 30 or 40ft [9-12m] in the air at least."

Another witness, Peter Tupper, 35, from Maidstone, said the stuntman "gave a wave" as he climbed inside the cannon. "As soon as he was fired out, the net was coming down. Then he just lay there and the commentator said: 'This is an accident, this is not meant to have happened.'"

The stunt show has been touring the UK since 1991 and features motorbike and monster truck stunts. The show's website describes how the human cannonball safety net is designed to collapse within seconds of the performer landing on it.

A statement on the website says all shows have been cancelled until further notice. It adds: "Scott and the team are still reeling with shock and grief over the loss of their colleague and fellow stunt performer in the tragic accident at the show yesterday afternoon.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. We would like to thank the hundreds of people who have sent such kind messages of condolence."