Founding member of ELO killed in freak accident as giant runaway hay bale smashes into his van

A founding member of ELO has been killed in a freak accident when a giant hay bale rolled out of a field and landed on his van.



Cellist Mike Edwards died instantly when the 50-stone cylindrical bale careered down a slope, flipped 15ft over a hedge and smashed on to the roof of his van.



Mr Edwards, 62, was known for unconventional cello playing including plucking the strings with an orange or grapefruit and his bizarre customs which became a major ingredient of ELO, the Electric Light Orchestra.



Scroll down for video

[caption]

He was celebrated for his live 'party piece', named the Dying Swan, during which he would perform a solo with his cello 'exploding' at the end.



[caption]

The musician quit the band in 1975 to become a Buddhist, changing his name to Deva Pramada and making his living by teaching the cello.

Police say the accident happened at around 12.30pm on Friday on the A381 between Harbetonford and Halwell in Devon.

The victim was driving a white transit-type van towards Kinsgbridge when the bale of hay smashed into the front cab.

The van swerved after it was hit and then collided with another smaller van coming the other way - but the second driver was unhurt.

The accident caused long tailbacks and police diverted hundreds of vehicles through country lanes.

Police identified Mr Edwards with the use of photographs and YouTube footage and have appealed for help in contacting his family for formal identification.

Sgt Steve Walker of Devon and Cornwall Police's traffic unit said: 'We don't believe he was ever married. We have identified an ex-girlfriend but she is currently abroad.



'We think he may have a brother called David in the Yorkshire area and we obviously need to contact him.

'Michael had no immediate family but we believe he taught cello in Devon and would ask his students to contact us if they know of any relatives.'



[caption]

[caption] The accident happened at around 12.30pm on Friday on the A381 between Harbertonford and Halwell in Devon.

It is believed a farmer was working on a tractor in the field shortly before the incident.

Inspector Andy Hamilton said his officers were investigating the cause of the tragedy.



He said: 'We are liaising with the heath and safety people and gathering evidence from the scene of the accident and the field. 'The van came into contact with a very large bale of hay.'



He added that officers had spoken to the farmer who owns the field and will be talking to him again shortly.



Mr Edwards played cello with ELO, a seven-piece band led by Jeff Lynne, from their first live gig in 1972 until he left in January 1975.



He performed on albums Electric Light Orchestra II, On the Third Day, The Night The Lights Went On (In Long Beach) and Eldorado.

A tribute to Edwards was today posted on the Face The Music website, described as an 'official information service for ELO and related artists'.

It said the cellist attracted fans with a unique solo turn - playing his instrument with a grapefruit.

The tribute said: 'He played in ELO's first ever live concert (Croydon, 16 April 1972) and over the next three years toured with them as the band strove to develop and establish their distinctive sound.



'Mike quickly became a crowd favourite with his exploding cello and rather unique solo party piece that involved playing the cello with a grapefruit!

'He will be sadly missed by all.'



