A FATHER-OF-THREE was killed after a collision with a lorry at the quarry where he worked.

Les Hole, a well-known local cricketer and footballer, died on Saturday after the collision with a lorry at Smiths of Bletchingdon’s Burford Quarry, between the town and Brize Norton, his family said.

Mr Hole was a site foreman at the quarry.

He was flown to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford by the air ambulance, but was pronounced dead at about noon after attempts to resuscitate him failed.

The Health & Safety Executive is investigating the death.

His son Simon Hole said the family, who live in Freeland, was devastated.

The 29-year-old said: “He has never had a day off through illness in his life.

“He loved work and he loved sport.

“It is just such a tragic accident. We are just in shock really.”

In March Mr Hole and his wife Sally had celebrated 30 years of marriage.

Mr Hole, 52, played cricket this season for Shipton-under-Wychwood, alongside Simon, who is captain of the first team.

He was previously the captain at Freeland Cricket Club, where he played for about 20 years.

The father-of-three was also a member of North Leigh Football Club until his early 30s, where his son Stuart – who used to play for Wycombe Wanderers – is the club captain.

Simon said: “My dad was such an influence on my brother and he has always been there for us since we were kids. He was always taking us to and from games, if he wasn’t playing himself.
“It’s going to be such a loss without him being there.”

Both brothers have also represented Oxfordshire at cricket.

Tributes to Mr Hole, of Broadmarsh Lane, were paid from across the sporting community in West Oxfordshire.

Friend and fellow Freeland cricketer Adie Buckingham said: “I have known Les since we were at Wood Green School (in Witney) together. We played cricket together for years.

“It’s devastating and unbelievable. He was here one day and gone the next.

“He was known by everyone in the village. He was such a figure in the community. People called him Mr Freeland.

“He has done so much for the village and the sports teams here.

“He was a quiet man but always willing to help.”

The chairman of North Leigh Football Club, Pete King, said: “He was a very well-known man. He was always at our games, either home and away, to watch his son Stuart and when he used to play here as a lad.

“He offered his help with anything he could and he was very proud of his family and his sons, who are very successful sportsmen in their own rights.

“He will be sorely missed by the club here, and in Freeland too.”

The leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, Barry Norton, said: “I have known Les for a very long time. He used to live down the road from me. He will be missed by many people.”