'The man was a legend' - Tributes paid to man who died after being hit by digger at industrial estate

This is the man who died after being hit by a digger at an industrial estate. Tributes have poured in for John Graveson following the tragedy in Tameside on Friday morning (March 3).

John, 42, died after being hit by an excavator vehicle at the Outram Road industrial estate in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester Police said. Officers arrested a 33-year-old man on suspicion of gross negligence and manslaughter.

He has since been released under investigation.

READ MORE: Man, 42, dies after being hit by digger as driver arrested

Hundreds of people took to Facebook to pay tribute to avid DJ John, who is understood to have lived in Tameside. He was a father, the Manchester Evening News understands.

Mark McCraken posted: "RIP John Graveson. The man was a legend." He described John as 'fun, bubbly and always laughing and smiling'.

"Our hearts go out to all his family and to [those] who knew him," Mr McCraken added.

Kevin Burgess wrote: "Another brother taken far too soon." Ryan Blacklock posted: "Rest easy big man. Until we meet again... LEGEND."

Lisa Hogson said: "RIP John Graveson. Have some great memories." Carl Hill posted: "Such a top fella." Nephi Ashton said: "Gutted to hear of the passing of big John Graveson. Top fella and great guy, RIP pal."

John was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The incident has been referred to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The unit was taped off by police for a number of hours on Friday as forensic specialists descended on the scene.

Officers remained at the scene on Saturday morning.

In a statement, GMP said: "On Friday 3 March 2023 at around 10.50am, officers were called to reports of a concern for welfare of a man on an industrial estate on Outram Road, Dukinfield.