Former pop musician killed in accident

Cellist Mike Edwards, 62, died after the 94-stone (600kg) bale careered down the side of a steep Devonshire field before it smashed through a hedge and on to the road.

He died instantly in the accident on Friday afternoon.

Formal identification has proved to be a problem and officers are hoping to contact a man named David in the Yorkshire area who is believed to be Mr Edward’s brother.

Police are investigating whether the bale which killed Mr Edwards may have fallen from a tractor on farmland next to the A381 in Halwell, near Totnes.

They believe the loose bale gathered momentum as it rolled down the hill before landing on the front cab of the musician’s white van. He is understood to have swerved into a similar vehicle as he was struck, at around 12.30pm.

The second driver was unhurt in the collision.

Sgt Steve Walker of the Devon and Cornwall Police traffic unit, said: “This was a tragic accident and we have now identified the victim as Michael Edwards, a founder member of ELO.

“We have used photographs and YouTube footage to identify him but we now need help contacting his family for formal identification.

“We don’t believe he was ever married and we have identified an ex-girlfriend but she is currently abroad.”

The musician is understood to have no immediate family but may have taught cello in Devon and police asked his students to contact them if they had any further information about his relations.

The cellist played in ELO’s first live concert and was with ELO until 1975. He was said to have attracted fans with a unique solo turn – playing his instrument with a grapefruit.