10/2/2006

Surrey Local News

Man pays tribute to partner who died in accident

TRIBUTES have been paid to an industrial worker who died in an accident at a pet food plant in Chiddingfold.

Marcus Snow, 40, who lived in Elstead, had worked at Naturediet Pet Foods since September 2000.

Work colleagues found Mr Snow dead on February 1 at 12.45pm. The police have said he was trapped within machinery in the packing room of the business at Hazelbridge Farm in Pickhurst Road.

Paying tribute to his partner of 14 years Andy Tomes, who had lived with Mr Snow in Milford Road, Elstead, since June 2000, said: “We were looking forward with the recent law changes to having a civil partnership ceremony later this year.

“We were best friends and partners and I feel that half of me has gone. It feels so unfair that someone who was so enjoying his life has lost it at 40 years old.

“I am still coming to terms with what has happened with the help and support of our families, friends, and colleagues.”

Mr Snow and Mr Tomes would have celebrated their 15th anniversary on Wednesday.

Formal identification of Mr Snow took place on Monday  and the inquest was opened and adjourned on the same day.

The circumstances of the death are under joint investigation by Surrey Police and the Health and Safety Executive.

As with any investigation of this nature, issues surrounding safety and working practices are also being reviewed.

Mr Snow’s funeral will take place at Woking Crematorium at 2pm on Monday

First printed in: Surrey Advertiser