A member of sea shanty group Fisherman’s Friends continuing his fight for life today after the freak accident that killed the band’s tour manager.
Father-of-one Paul McMullen, 44, was crushed to death when a giant metal door fell on him as he unloaded equipment at a concert venue with singer Trevor Grills.
Trevor, 54, one of ten singers with the Cornwall-based acappella group – suffered critical head injuries when he was struck on the head.
The group’s gig was cancelled following Saturday’s horror accident in Guildford, Surrey, as police launched a probe.
The remaining Fisherman’s Friends gathered by the quayside in their home village of Port Isaac yesterday (Mon) as Trevor lay critically ill in London’s St George’s Hospital.
They paid a silent tribute to their two pals at one of very spots where they first gathered to sing together.
Bass singer Jon Cleave said: “It’s part-and-parcel of our Cornish community to pull together, one-and-all, in such times – and that is what we are doing.
“Trevor is fighting for his life in the presence of his family in hospital in Tooting. All our love and thoughts are with them.”
Pal Shirley Gladwin said: “It’s very sad, because they are so popular and do so much for the village. They’ve brought this village alive. It’s a very sad village today.”
John May, rector at nearby St Peter’s church, said his congregation were praying for good news about tenor Trevor, a carpenter and builder who also served as a volunteer coastguard.
The Health and Safety Executive is investigating Saturday’s incident, described by the G Live concert venue as a “serious accident”.
A spokesman for Guildford Borough Council said: “This is a complex area for investigation and our health and safety team will continue to offer any necessary assistance.
“Our building control team will also continue to advise on ensuring the site remains safe.”
The Fisherman’s Friends were given a £1m recording contract after being discovered by music industry bosses during a pub concert.
They have since performed at the Glastonbury Festival and a film charting their remarkable rise is in production.
Darcus Beese, president of the group’s Island Records label, said: “Everyone is shocked. Our hopes and prayers go out to the friends and families of those involved.”
Paul McMullen’s sister Sarah paid him an emotional Facebook tribute and urged the group: “Paul loved you and was very proud that he worked with you. Please sing one for him as soon as you are able.”
Further tributes flooded in via Twitter, where one fan, Julie Fowlis, wrote: “Shocked and desperately sad to learn of the tragic events in Guildford. My thoughts with Paul McMullen, Trevor Grills & families x.”
St George’s Hospital said Trevor remained in a “critical condition”.