Inquest: Beaminster farmer Harry Isaacs died in tractor crash

Harry John Richard Isaacs was driving a tractor on July 21 last year in Chedington Lane, near Mosterton, when he suddenly lost control - leading to the four-wheeler to overturn.

He sadly died at the scene from his injuries.

An inquest held yesterday heard how a weighted bucket Harry had put on the tractor to slow it down had caused the machine to overturn as he travelled downhill.

The 20-year-old, who worked as a tea blender and part-time farmer, bought the International Harvester 3434 tractor around two weeks previously on Facebook for £2,000, which was delivered to an address near his home town of Beaminster.

At 6.24pm on July 21, a cyclist contacted emergency services after discovering the overturned tractor in Chedington Lane.

Sgt Craig Tatton of Dorset Police told the inquest: "The man involved died at the scene of fatal injuries.

"The tractor was in no way roadworthy."

PC Mark Richards of Devon & Cornwall Police examined the tractor.

He told the hearing: "The tractor was in very poor condition and dangerous to use, which would have been obvious to the driver.

"The tractor had no counter weight system in place and no rollover protection, which is required by law.

"The brakes were nearly completely worn down and it was unsuitable for both on and off-road."

The inquest heard how Harry had removed the driver's cab and left it in a field.

Harry's friend Henry Bowditch told the hearing: "Harry had bought the tractor from Facebook around two weeks before for £2,000. The brakes felt dodgy and he used a large metal bucket filled with rubble to slow it down."

A forensic investigation revealed there were 'fresh scuff marks' on the road surface, which matched marks on the metal bucket used for braking.

The investigation showed the tractor was travelling on a downhill gradient and the weighted bucket caused the tractor to overturn, which trapped Harry underneath.

Pathologist Juliane Stolte said Harry died of multiple skull fractures and serious rib injuries.

'An extremely tragic accident'

Coroner Rachael Griffin recorded a verdict that Harry died of accidental head injuries during a single road traffic collision.

She said: "It was obvious the tractor was in very poor condition and not roadworthy.

"He was last seen by his friend around 5.30pm - so he died between then and when he was found at 6.24pm.

"On the balance of probability Harry died of fatal, unsurvivable injuries to the head caused by the tractor overturning."

She added: "Harry was a young man who loved the outdoors and had a key interest in farming, and was hopeful of starting up a farming business.

"This is an extremely tragic accident and my thoughts are with his family."

Harry Isaacs

'His smile always lit up any room'

After Harry's death last year, his family released a statement saying: "We as Harry's family have suffered a great loss and words can't describe the pain we are feeling. Harry is a much loved son, brother, grandson and nephew. His smile always lit up any room and his energy was infectious.

“Harry had much love for working in his local farming community and had great passion for the animals he cared for. In Harry's last months he fulfilled a lifelong dream to have a piece of land, his tractor and his beloved pony Coco.

A photographic tribute to Harry at a memorial event in Beaminster last year

“Harry has many friends from Beaminster, Bridport and Sherborne who have truly shown their love and friendship for him during this sad time. His family has been deeply touched by all the kind messages and tributes dedicated to Harry, which has given much comfort.

“We would like to give all our gratitude and thanks to everybody. Harry Isaacs - a life taken too soon, sleep well our angel.”