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Segway Boss-Jim Heselden passes away after cliff accident‏

28 September 2010 | Posted by: Adriana B | File Under: Business, Technology, World | | One Comment

Jim Heselden

Jim Heselden, 62 who owns scooter manufacturing firm Segway lost his life in a bizarre accident on Sunday morning. He ran into the River Wharfe which is located near his home in West Yorkshire while riding one of his company’s scooters.



 

He’s believed to have been unable to control the scooter while on a small, rough pathway which is usually used by pedestrians.

Heselden’s body was found in the river after he fell over the 80 feet cliff and he was already dead when rescue services got him out of the river.

Heselden’s wife, Julie and close relatives have been so shocked with the accident that they have found it hard to comment about it up till now. A close revealed that the whole family was grief stricken and silence is the only way out for them at the moment.

Heselden became a millionaire after winning a contract with the British Army to build shielding walls for soldiers fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. His new found fortune enabled him to take over Segway in December 2009. Segway was created 11 years ago by Dean Kamen and they have gained global popularity. Their scooters move when a rider leans forward.

Heselden is a very popularly generous man in his local city of Leeds. His fortune was estimated at £166 million and he gave out a £10 million to the Leeds Community Foundation just a week together. He founded the charity 2 years ago to give aid to the needy i.e. both young and old.

Tom Riodan, CEO of Leeds City Council stated that Heselden was a great guy who was unselfish and very kind. He gave his condolences to his family.

One Comment »

  • Jimmy Young said:

    What a bummer.
    The sad legacy of a true entrepreneur and an awesome, yet invariably dangerous invention. Our family owned a Segway for years… had lots of fun but, alas, they do get squirly and pose danger at key and unexpected moments.
    Jimmy Young

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