Man arrested over electricity pole plunge death

A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of an electricity engineer.

Ryan Thomas was part of a team of seven working on a power line near Plymouth when it is thought a wooden pole collapsed.

The 28-year-old, who was a new father, tragically died as a result of his injuries.

The arrested man has not yet been named by police.

But he is aged 39 and from the St Austell area of Cornwall.

He was questioned at Launceston Police Station and released on police bail until May 9.

Ryan, a husband to Zara and father to eight-month-old Maisy, died in woodland near Cawsand while working as a linesman for Western Power Distribution.

A joint investigation continues involving the police and the Health and Safety Executive.

Paramedics, police and firefighters were called to the scene in woods just off Pier Lane, around a mile outside the seaside village, late on Wednesday, January 16.

Just after the incident, protective plastic sheeting had been wrapped around one part of the wooden pole, while the base appeared to remain stuck in the ground.

Zara, Mr Thomas' heartbroken wife, later paid tribute to her "happy" and "smiling" husband.

The couple spoke for the last time when Ryan called home two hours before the accident.

"He rang from work to find out how Maisy had got on at nursery school and to give her a goodnight kiss," Zara said.

"He always had a cheeky smile on his face. He would make anyone laugh.

"Whenever I think of him all I can see is his smiling face – he always seemed so happy.

"Maisy is always smiling – she gets that from him."

Ryan's parents, Trevor and Christine, and older brothers Malcolm and Nigel, said it was difficult to put their grief into words.

Trevor said: "He idolised Maisy, and when Zara was expecting her he told me he couldn't wait to be a father.

"Zara and Maisy were his life."

Ryan was a keen sportsman – Perranwell Football Club cancelled its game against Goonhavern following his death as a mark of respect to a stalwart of the reserves.

An HSE spokesman said it was continuing to assist police with the investigation.

Western Power Distribution declined to comment.