Tractor loving Graham is found shot dead in garden (From This is Hampshire)

Tractor loving Graham is found shot dead in garden

12:04pm Thursday 18th March 2010 in

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A HAMPSHIRE man is believed to have shot himself in the second tragedy to hit the family in nine years.

The body of Graham Hayward was found by his 21-year-old son Tom in the garden of his cottage in Fawley.

Mr Hayward, who was unemployed, is believed to have taken his own life after splitting up with his partner. He is also understood to have had health problems.

One of his neighbours in Spratts Down said: “I think it all got too much for him.”

A police spokesman confirmed that his death was not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesman for Southampton coroner’s office confirmed Mr Hayward, 52, died as a result of head injuries caused by a shotgun blast.

His death comes after his brother Neville, 36, also of Spratts Down, died in 2001 when he was stung by a wasp.

He went into anaphylactic shock after the sting and suffered a fatal reaction ten months later.

Graham Hayward was a committee member of the New Forest Vintage Tractor and Engine Club and wrote articles for a national newsletter. He also gave tractor and trailer rides at charity events at Exbury Gardens, Longdown Activity Farm and Honeypot House, which provides holidays in the New Forest for vulnerable children and young carers.

A Honeypot spokesman said: “Graham was a lovely man who always had a great deal of time for the children.”

Mr Hayward also staged woodworking displays at the New Forest Show and the Out of Town Centre in Palace Lane, Beaulieu.

He had lived at Spratts Down for many years and worked on farms in the area as well as helping to maintain churchyards.

Close friend Derek Olden, of Veals Lane, Marchwood, said: “Graham’s knowledge of local history was very complete and he enjoyed passing it on to anyone who was interested.”

Mr Hayward’s home was on the Cadland Estate, of which the senior trustee is Maldwin Drummond, a former Verderer of the New Forest.

Mr Drummond said: “Graham was a very nice chap who collected old tractors. He was a character. His death is a very sad business.”