Taxi driver dies after being found in grounds of Ampleforth Abbey following car crash

A taxi driver whose car was abandoned in a hedgerow was later found to have collapsed in the grounds of Ampleforth Abbey.
James Mallinson collapsed and died in the grounds of Ampleforth AbbeyJames Mallinson collapsed and died in the grounds of Ampleforth Abbey
James Mallinson collapsed and died in the grounds of Ampleforth Abbey

Helmsley Black Cabs employee James Mallinson, 37, from Ampleforth, is thought to have got a lift from a friend after crashing his Volvo XC90 taxi in a hedge on the B1257 near the turn-off for Oswaldkirk.

He was discovered in the grounds of Ampleforth Abbey, a Benedictine monastery attached to Ampleforth College, and police are trying to trace his movements prior to the collision on the evening of Saturday August 15.

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He was treated at the scene and taken to hospital where he later died from what is thought to have been a cardiac arrest.

North Yorkshire Police said: "At around 10pm, police received a report of an abandoned, black Volvo XC90 in a hedge on the B1257 near the turn-off to Oswaldkirk.

"Officers are appealing to anyone who saw the Volvo either in the hedge, on the road, or saw the car travelling before it came to rest in the hedge. Anyone with dashcam footage who might have driven past the stationary car or has captured it travelling prior to it colliding with the hedge, is also asked to get in touch.

"Officers have established that Jimmy was given a lift by a friend at some point after his vehicle collided with the hedge. He got out at Ampleforth Abbey where he was found collapsed in the grounds. He was treated at the scene by ambulance staff and taken to hospital but sadly died."

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Helmsley Black Cabs paid tribute to Mr Mallinson, posting on their Facebook page: "It is with extreme sadness that we can now say that on Saturday/Sunday evening one of our drivers, James "Jimmy" Mallinson passed away.

"James was working that evening with the taxi when he became ill and despite the best efforts of the police and paramedics, he sadly succumbed to a cardiac arrest and passed away. We have spoken with and met Stephen and Judith, James' parents, and they have asked us to pass on their thanks for all the kind and heartfelt expressions of sympathy. James was a top bloke and will be sadly missed by all that knew and loved him."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and pass information to the Force Control Room for incident number 12200141781.

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