North Somerset businessman Derek Mead has been killed in a farming accident, the Mercury understands.
The 72-year-old died over the weekend in an accident, reportedly involving a tractor on his own farm.
Despite paramedics’ best efforts, he died as a result of his injuries.
He was a prominent businessman in North Somerset and was involved in companies including Mead Realisations Ltd, Puxton Park and bid to reopen the Tropicana into an open-air pool once again.
However, it was within the farming industry that Mr Mead was best known and only last week he was taking part in the Bath & West Show in Shepton Mallet.
In recent years he also had become increasingly involved in local politics.
He was elected as an independent to Weston-super-Mare Town Council and North Somerset Council in 2013, when a position on both councils became available.
He went on to help form the North Somerset First Independents group and was re-elected in 2015.
Weston Town Council has offered its sympathies to Mr Mead’s family.
On Twitter, it said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Cllr Derek Mead.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Mr Mead leaves behind two sons and a daughter.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here