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Scaffolder Justin Newitt falls to death at Maidstone TV Studios

09:30, 24 September 2015

A loving father who fell from scaffolding while working at Maidstone TV Studios has died, it has been confirmed.

Justin Newitt was taken to hospital following yesterday morning's accident, but could not be saved.

An air ambulance, paramedics and police were sent to the New Cut Road, Grove Green studios at 8.20am.

Justin Newitt with partner Jemma Webb
Justin Newitt with partner Jemma Webb

It is understood Mr Newitt, who is from Maidstone, fell 15ft. The Health and Safety Executive has been notified and will be conducting an investigation.

Family and friends led tributes to the popular character who leaves behind partner Jemma Webb and his son from a previous relationship, George Phillips.

Mr Newitt also has a 20-year-old son, Ayden Diprose, also from Maidstone.

In a touching tribute on social media site Facebook, Ms Webb says: "Today I've lost the most amazing man I've ever met!! My life, my soulmate, my future."

Ms Webb, whose profile picture shows the happy couple together, also talks of their plans to get married.

The 38-year-old died after falling on Wednesday, September 23
The 38-year-old died after falling on Wednesday, September 23

His nephew, Curtis Carreras was working with Mr Newitt at the time of the accident. He said: "It was only this morning I was working with you and within a second you were gone.

He also reflected on the moments after the disaster and his efforts to alert paramedics to his uncle's injuries.

Speaking after the incident, a spokesman for the studios said: “It is with considerable sadness that Maidstone Studios can confirm that one of our employees, Justin Newitt, was tragically involved in a fatal accident whilst at work on September 23, 2015.

Maidstone Studios will be the venue for a pantomime for the first time
Maidstone Studios will be the venue for a pantomime for the first time

“We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to Justin’s family, friends and colleagues at this time.

“Maidstone Studios would also like to confirm that we are co-operating fully with the relevant authorities in their on-going investigation”

The fatality follows another separate, unrelated, scaffolding accident in which another Maidstone man, Jon Zimmerman reportedly suffered a broken neck and back.

Writing from his hospital bed following the fall from the roof of a building in Sidcup, Mr Zimmerman reflect on his fate compared to that of Mr Newitt's.

Jon Zimmerman paid tribute to Justin Newitt from King's Hospital after an unconnected accident
Jon Zimmerman paid tribute to Justin Newitt from King's Hospital after an unconnected accident

He said: "RIP to Justin who fell like me today but unfortunately lost his life bless him. Thinking of his family and friends today."

A spokesman for Elite Scaffolding’s said: “We can confirm that one of our self-employed subcontractors was involved in a fall yesterday.

“Our thoughts are first and foremost with Jonathan and we wish him a full and speedy recovery. Our managing director will be visiting him later today, in hospital, to monitor his progress and assist him in any way possible.”

Jon Zimmerman posted a selfie from his hospital bed
Jon Zimmerman posted a selfie from his hospital bed

The firm also confirmed the incident is being investigated by internal and external safety professionals.

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