Bitterley flash flooding victim locally named
A man who died in south Shropshire during flash flooding was this afternoon locally named.
Mike Ellis, 66, was killed after being swept away by fast-flowing water at Bittlerley, near Ludlow, during heavy rain which affected south and east Shropshire along with a large part of the Midlands.
A search for the retired maths teacher was launched at 10.30am following reports a man had been seen being washed down the brook, which had swollen due to the heavy rain. The search involved police, fire crews and the Severn Area Rescue Association.
Tragically, at about 11.45am his body was found 100 meters downstream by police and fire officers. His body was recovered from the water and he was pronounced dead by paramedics a short time later.
Mr Ellis, had been driving home from attending a doctor’s appointment when flash flooding blocked his route around half-a-mile from his home.
It is understood Mr Ellis, who lived in Bitterley with his wife, got out of his car and was attempting to make his way home by foot when the tragedy happened.
A post mortem examination is expected to be held today (Friday).
The Coroner for Shropshire, Mr John Ellery, has been informed.
