Latest news with #Sadler
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Inquest into business park fire deaths opens
The inquest into the deaths of two firefighters and a member of the public who were killed during a fire at a business park has opened. Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, along with father-of-two Dave Chester, 57, were killed in the blaze that engulfed the Bicester Motion site on 15 May. Oxfordshire coroner Darren Salter opened the inquest in Oxford on Tuesday, before adjourning it until 25 November. Referring to those "tragically" killed, Mr Salter listed their causes of death as "multiple traumatic injuries". Thames Valley Police (TVP) previously said all three had sustained injuries in line with those "typically caused by the collapse of part of a structure". Two other firefighters were also seriously injured in the incident, and remain in hospital in stable conditions. The fire was reported at about 18:30 BST on 15 May and rapidly spread through a former aircraft hangar at the site on Buckingham Road, and a major incident was declared. Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze as witnesses reported seeing black smoke in the sky. Bicester Motion is home to more than 50 specialist businesses, focused on classic car restoration and engineering on the former site of RAF Bicester. It was home to RAF Bomber Command in World War Two and became redundant in 2004. TVP said post-mortem examinations showed that Ms Logan, Mr Sadler, who worked for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, and Mr Chester died from multiple traumatic injuries. The force also confirmed that an unexplained death investigation was being led by its major crime unit, alongside fire investigators and the Health and Safety Executive. Home Office statistics showed it was only the fourth incident in which a firefighter had died whilst tackling a blaze in England in the past 15 years. It was also the first time two firefighters had been killed in the same fire since Jim Shears and Alan Bannon died in a blaze at Shirley Towers in Southampton in April 2010. Following the blaze, Bicester Town Council opened books of condolence, while church services and silences also took place. Two gold plaques were placed at Bicester Motion following the fire, with both signed: "Love from the Bicester Community." Paying tribute after the fire, the family of Mr Sadler, who previously worked for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) and was also part of London Fire Brigade, said being a firefighter was "always in his blood", adding that he was "the true definition of a hero". "Our world has fallen apart and our hearts are completely broken, but somewhere in amongst it all we are immensely proud of him and his unwavering bravery," they added. The family of Ms Logan said her "bravery and fearlessness shone through right until the end". "She will always be our hero and we are so immensely proud of her. Forever in our hearts," they added. Mr Chester's family described him as "Bicester born and bred" with a "quirky sense of humour". "He was not a victim but a hero, he died the way he lived – helping others and putting them ahead of himself," they continued. Nicholas Mawer, who represents Bicester North on Cherwell District Council, previously told the BBC those lost in the fire were "the best of Bicester". "Thankfully these incidents are very rare but it's deeply affected the community," he added. Ms Logan and Mr Sadler were members of Bicester Rugby Union Football Club (BRUFC), with Ms Logan on the Bicester Vixens women's team. "We are a tight-knit club," BRUFC's chairman Paul Jaggers said. "Obviously losing two of your members in any situation is really tough and it's had a profound impact." A fundraiser launched by the club has raised more than £23,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity since the tragedy. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Lessons must be learned from Bicester fire, MP says Fire victims likely injured by building collapse, police say Firefighters and member of public die in blaze at business park
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Preliminary cause of deaths of three people who died in horror blaze at ex-RAF base in Bicester are revealed
Two firefighters and a member of the public died after part of a building collapsed during a horror blaze near Bicester Village, police believe. Martyn Sadler, 38, Jennie Logan, 30, and businessman David Chester, 57, were killed after a fire engulfed Bicester Motion - a former RAF base - on May 15. Initial findings from the post-mortem examinations show that all three people died from multiple traumatic injuries. Two other firefighters suffered serious injuries and are in hospital in a stable condition. Assistant Chief Constable Dennis Murray said today: 'Our initial investigations suggest that all three sustained injuries in line with those typically caused by the collapse of part of a structure. 'We will make no further comment on the post-mortems' preliminary findings,' he added. 'This remains an unexplained death investigation and is being led by our Major Crime Unit, who continue to work with fire investigators and the Health and Safety Executive to ascertain the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the sad deaths of Jennie, Martyn and Dave.' Around ten fire crews rushed to Bicester Motion to tackle the blaze in a warehouse at around 6.40pm on May 15. The former RAF base is now home to over 50 specialist businesses, which focus on classic car restoration and engineering. Eyewitnesses described seeing thick 'black' smoke in the sky from as far away as Oxford on the night of May 15 and hearing multiple loud explosions. Vikas Talwar, 40, who lives in a housing estate near Bicester Motion, could see the fire from the street corner outside his house. He said: 'There was a lot of smoke yesterday. Lots of people were gathering here on the corner but a lot of smoke was coming out. 'There was flames on the roof, on the top of the roof, and a huge big cloud of smoke in the air. I could see it from this corner near my house.' Julie Stocker saw the flames from her bedroom window and described the deaths as 'devastating'. The 46-year-old, who lives across the road from Bicester Motion, said: 'We could hear the crackle of the fire and then obviously the various explosions and stuff. '(The smoke) was going very high. It was a mixture of white smoke and then really thick black smoke. 'We were praying that obviously no one was injured, but sadly that's not the case. It's devastating.' Mr Sadler was a firefighter for Oxfordshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service but also worked with the London Fire Brigade. In an emotional tribute, Mr Sadler's grieving family last week said he was 'born to be a firefighter'. 'Coming from a strong fire service family it was always in his blood, but it was significantly more than that with him, it was his life,' they added in a statement released by police. 'The passion and dedication he had for the job was outstanding. 'From as early as he learnt to walk and talk, his days were filled with episodes of Fireman Sam or London's Burning and as soon as he was old enough to join the fire cadets his career began. 'He achieved way beyond his dreams and nothing would ever put a bigger smile on his face. 'He was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle and all-round family member, an amazing friend, a committed colleague and the true definition of a hero. 'Our world has fallen apart and our hearts are completely broken, but somewhere in amongst it all we are immensely proud of him and his unwavering bravery.' Ms Logan's family also paid tribute, describing her as a 'force to be reckoned with'. 'When Jennie's pager went off, there was no stopping her,' Ms Logan's mother, father and sister Emilie said in a joint tribute. 'Never did we think that when running out the door last Thursday, to give it her all, like she always did, it would be for the final time.' Mr Chester, from Bicester, died after helping fire crews 'without hesitation', his family said in a tribute. 'Dave was always known as the man you went to when you needed any sort of help. This is exactly what happened on Thursday evening, he saw firefighters needing assistance and helped without hesitation,' they said. 'He was not a victim but a hero, he died the way he lived - helping others and putting them ahead of himself. 'Although he is no longer with us, he will always be in our hearts and his legacy will continue.'
Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Qorvis Expands U.S. Team with Key Promotions
William Sadler Builds Energy Security Practice WASHINGTON, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Qorvis has promoted William Sadler to Director in the Washington, D.C. office, where he will focus on energy security and geopolitical strategy. Sadler has been part of Qorvis through its recent evolution to become an independent firm and now steps into a leadership role in the Washington headquarters. A certified Climate Fellow, William Sadler provides strategic counsel to clients across the Qorvis portfolio who are navigating effective communications about their energy goals. A passionate and pragmatic conservationist, Sadler will continue to focus his efforts on bridging communications gaps between countries, companies, and communities to help divided audiences understand the reality of global energy security and their role within it. 'Having seen Qorvis evolve in recent years, I am confident that Qorvis' leadership and global presence makes it ideally positioned to advise clients on energy security and the evolving dynamics of the global energy transition,' Sadler said. 'This transition is complex, fast-moving, and increasingly critical to national security.' Qorvis also added Baihe (Lilia) Nangong and Camila Zavala as Account Executives in Washington, D.C. Nangong brings a strong background in digital content strategy and design, and honed her expertise in content marketing and operations at internet companies Bilibili and Ximalaya. Zavala, who previously worked at Peru's largest bank and a multilateral organization, focuses on digital engagement and cross-market communications, and helps clients drive business growth and strengthen customer relationships. In addition, Alex Ertel also joins as an Analyst in D.C., and Ian Dollar joins as an Analyst in Dubai. Qorvis recently announced the expansion of its Middle East footprint with the registration of and investment in its Riyadh subsidiary and the expansion of its regional headquarters in the Almas Tower in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Qorvis Holding Inc.
ITV News
18-05-2025
- General
- ITV News
Services held to remember Bicester fire victims
Church services have been held to remember two firefighters and a 57-year-old man who died in a huge blaze at an Oxfordshire business park. Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, died while tackling the fire at Bicester Motion on Thursday evening. David Chester, a father of two who ran a business at the site and lived in Bicester, was also killed. Prayers have been said at St Mary's Church, Launton, and St Laurence's Church, Caversfield during services on Sunday, and a book of condolence has been set up at St Edburg's. Thames Valley Police said on Saturday that two other firefighters who suffered serious injuries are "conscious and remain in a stable condition" in hospital. Tributes continue to pour in for the three people who lost their lives, with many flowers and messages left at Garth Park, a short distance away from Bicester Motion. On Saturday, firefighters formed a guard of honour for two of Bicester's fire engines as they returned to the town's fire station. Ms Logan and Mr Sadler were involved with the women's team at Bicester Rugby Union Football Club, which said "their presence at the club will be massively missed". The club has set up a fundraising site in aid of the Firefighters charity, describing Mr Sadler as "a true clubman and rugby man," and Ms Logan as "a kind, gentle and thoughtful force to be reckoned with." Another fundraising site has been set up by Bicester resident Daniel Chartrand, and the GoFundMe has already raised more than £1,000 of its £4,500 target. Dave Ward, 81, a retired firefighter, was among those paying respects at Bicester Fire Station, where a large number of tributes have also been laid. He placed a bunch of flowers and saluted the tribute. He said: 'I'm a retired firefighter. I retired in 1988 but I've served in London and I now understand that one of the guys was from London.' Speaking through tears, he added: 'Nobody will understand what a great family it is to be in the fire service. 'We're all brothers wherever we serve.' The site of the fire, at Bicester Motion, was home to more than 50 specialist businesses, focused on classic car restoration and engineering. It was formerly RAF Bomber Command in World War Two and became redundant in 2004. Bicester Town Council said the flags on its building at Garth House were flying at half mast "as an expression of our sorrow and respect for those who lost their lives". Fire investigators and Thames Valley Police are working to establish the cause of the fire. Police said yesterday; "It remains an "unexplained death investigation, and is currently not a criminal investigation; however, we will follow the evidence as our enquiries continue." "At this time we would not be in a position to provide further information on the causes of the fire, and what led to those being injured and those who died. " Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe, said: 'Our thoughts remain with all those involved following this tragic incident. 'Our enquiries are ongoing but this is a complex investigation which may take some time.'
BBC News
02-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Walsall players are 'fighters, not victims'
Walsall boss Mat Sadler has called his squad "fighters, not victims" ahead of their crucial final-day clash at Crewe Alexandra. Last Saturday's home defeat at home to Accrington Stanley meant Walsall missed the opportunity to climb back into the League Two automatic promotion places following Bradford City's loss to league leaders Doncaster not winning in their last 13 league matches, a run that stretches back to 22 February, the Saddlers will still go up if they win at mid-table Crewe and Bradford fail to beat Fleetwood Town."We were all a little bit deflated after the weekend but we're fighters, we're not victims," Sadler told BBC Radio West Midlands."We reviewed it, we went through [the defeat] but then we moved on which is what we do all the time."Very quickly Tuesday comes and very quickly the sun shines and we have to get going again."A dismal run over the past three months has seen Walsall give up a 12-point lead at the top of League Two but Sadler says he remains positive with the help of a close support network."I'm very, very lucky to have the family that I have but I'm also very fortunate to have the coaches around me and the players lift you with the way they are," he added."Support wise, I've got everything that we need."Sadler also confirmed that he had no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to the Railwaymen.
