Family devastated after chef's boat fire death

A family is reeling from the death of a talented chef in his 30s after a fire on a boat in Worcestershire.

Ben Hardy, 37, was staying on a boat moored behind The Anchor Inn pub in Wyre Piddle, near Pershore, when the fire broke out in the early hours of Christmas Day.

His mother received a visit that day from police who informed her that her son had died, his sister said.

Kirstie Trower wrote on a fundraising page: "I can't put into words how devastated we all are, Ben leaves behind our mum, stepdad, nieces, nephews, great nephews."

She said the fundraising page had been set up to raise money for the funeral and wake because her brother, who she described as "footloose and fancy free", had never thought about making arrangements.

Describing her brother as "a very, very talented chef who loved his work", she said: "He never stayed in one place for long, and travelled the country working his dream career.

"Ben was at his happiest when he was either in a kitchen, at a music festival, or near the coast."

She said: "Ben was working in Worcestershire just for the festive/new year period, and tragically lost his life early Christmas Day morning when a fire broke out on the houseboat he was staying on as accommodation."

After Mr Hardy died, West Mercia Police said officers were called to a fire at a house boat moored by the Anchor Inn in Wyre Piddle at about 08:30 GMT on Christmas Day and a man in his 30s was found dead at the scene.

A spokeswoman for the force said the investigation was ongoing.

A Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said fire investigation officers, police and the coroner's office were continuing to work together.

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