A man in his 50s has been killed after a tree was blown onto his caravan in Cornwall during the ferocious peak of Storm Goretti.
Tragic Discovery in Mawgan
Emergency services were called to the Mawgan area of Helston at approximately 7.35pm on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The call reported that a large tree had collapsed directly onto a caravan as the storm's winds raged. Due to the perilous conditions and the extent of the damage, a safe recovery operation could not begin until the following day, Friday, January 9.
Once crews managed to clear the debris, officers from Devon and Cornwall Police made the tragic discovery of the man's body inside the vehicle. His next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from specialist police officers.
The force has stated that the death is not being treated as suspicious. A formal file is now being prepared for the coroner to determine the precise cause of death, which occurred as winds of up to 99mph tore through the South West.
Widespread Devastation Across the Region
This incident is part of a much wider picture of destruction left by Storm Goretti in Cornwall. At the iconic St Michael's Mount alone, more than 80 trees were felled by the gale-force winds. Emergency crews across the county have been working 'round the clock' to clear fallen trees and repair significant damage to local infrastructure.
The storm's impact was felt far beyond Cornwall, causing major national disruption:
- Runways at Birmingham and East Midlands Airports were temporarily closed.
- Tens of thousands of homes were left without power.
Ongoing Weather Threats
Although Storm Goretti has now moved eastwards, authorities remain on high alert. The Met Office and local councils, including Sandwell Council, are warning of continued public safety risks. A band of snow expected on Sunday, January 11, coupled with freezing temperatures, poses a significant further threat to travel and safety.
