'Human cannonball' had only been a daredevil for two weeks

Updated


The 'human canonball' who died on Easter weekend in front of horrified tourists in Kent had only been a stuntman for two weeks.

Matt Cranch - who performed under the name Matt the Manx Crank - gave up his job as a barman a fortnight before his tragic accident - to pursue his dream of being a professional daredevil.

Hundreds of spectators witnessed his death on Easter Sunday when his safety net collapsed after he was fired 40ft in the air from a giant cannon. The incident happened during Scott May's Daredevil Stunt Show, at Kent County Showground, in the village of Detling, near Maidstone.

He fell head-first to the ground, and died later from head injuries in Maidstone Hospital.

Friends have described the thrill-seeker as an 'adventurous and fun-loving guy' who died doing something he 'absolutely loved'.

Will Ashworth, managing director of Newquay's Watergate Bay Hotel, where Mr Cranch was a barman until he left two weeks ago, said he was 'much-loved by everybody'.

James White described his friend 'Wiggles' on a special Facebook memorial page as 'one of the best guys I have ever known'. He said: 'Dude, I know you went doing something that you absolutely loved, with your trademark smile on your face. I will miss you with all my heart.'

About 20 of Mr Cranch's friends gathered on the beach in Newquay, Cornwall, near where he had lived, to raise a toast.

They also used black marker pens to write messages of remembrance on the door of his red classic VW Beetle.

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