Monday, September 6, 2010

ELO founder killed by bale of hay in freak accident

ELO founder killed by bale of hay in freak accident

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Cellist Mike Edwards, a founding member of Electric Light Orchestra, lost his life in a freak accident.

AAP report that Edwards was killed by a 600kg bale of hay that rolled down a steep hill in a Devonshire field before crashing into the van he was driving in the English countryside.

Police say the 62-year-old musician died instantly on impact.

Sargeant Steve Walker told AAP, 'We have used photographs and YouTube footage to identify him but we now need help contacting his family for formal identification.'

Edwards was one of two original cellists for the band, playing live with them from 1972 until 1975.

He played on four albums, including their breakthrough hit Eldorado, A Symphony.

He reportedly left the orchestral rock pioneers to immerse himself in Buddhism, changing his name to Deva Pramada, and making a living by teaching cello.

Police are investigating the accident.



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