A businessman who died while allegedly riding a Segway scooter built by his own company has left an estate of more than £340 million to his family.
According to The Telegraph, Jimi Heselden, 62, was found in the River Wharfe at Boston Spa, West Yorkshire, UK, after accidentally plunging from a 30ft cliff in September last year. His Segway was found nearby.
Mr Heselden, who was one of the 400 richest people in the UK, had left an estate of £343,172,206 to his widow Julie and other family members.
The entrepreneur made his fortune when his firm Hesco Bastion developed the revolutionary “blast wall” basket as a replacement for traditional sandbags.
The baskets have been used to protect soldiers in every major conflict since the first Gulf War and are considered to be one of the UK’s most successful defence exports.
They are also used for non-military purposes, including flood management and erosion control.
In December 2009, Mr Heselden headed a British team which bought the US-based Segway firm, which makes and distributes the two-wheeled, self-balancing scooters of the same name.
Former miner Mr Heselden was also well-known for his philanthropic efforts as well as his massive fortune.
The Leeds Community Foundation said he had donated £23 million to causes in his hometown since 2008 and he was also a regular contributor to the Help For Heroes charity, which supports injured military personnel.
A statement released on behalf of the trustees of Mr Heselden’s estate said: “It can be confirmed that Jimi left an estate of £343,172,206 which he has bequeathed to his widow Julie and other family members.
“The estate consists substantially of Jimi’s controlling interest in Hesco Bastion Ltd.
“The family wishes that Jimi’s legacy will live on in the many charities and good causes he supported during his lifetime.”
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