A man who died after hanging upside down for hours from a chimney in Carlisle has been named as Robert Philip Longcake, known as Phil to his family and friends.
His family described Phil, 53, as a “strong, brave man” who had been struggling with his mental health after recently disclosing past trauma.
He scaled the 88-metre grade II-listed Dixon’s Chimney in Carlisle city centre in the early hours of Monday morning but somehow ended up hanging from one foot at the top of it.
A major operation was mounted to try to rescue him, including the help of Cumbria fire and rescue, a coastguard helicopter, police, paramedics, Great North air ambulance, Penrith mountain rescue team, and rope rescue specialists from the Lancashire fire and rescue service. But by the time a cherrypicker tall enough to reach him had been brought from Glasgow, he had died.
His family said in a tribute on Wednesday: “Phil was a strong, brave man who achieved a lot in his short life. Sadly, due to recent disclosures he made about historic trauma he suffered, Phil was battling with his mental health, with the love and support of his family and health professionals whilst trying to overcome this.
“He was a keen motorcyclist and would often spend weekends away with his son, Robert. He loved fell walking with his dog Ted and was a passionate musician who played the guitar, piano and accordion. He also loved to sing, and did his own covers of popular music.
“Phil was a fantastic grandad to his three grandchildren. They adored him. Phil had many wonderful and happy times with his family, and these memories will be treasured by his loved ones.
“Phil will be very much missed by his wife Andrea, his two children Robert and Laura and their partners Sarah and Darren, grandchildren James, George and William, dad Bill and brother John, and all his friends and those that knew him.”
They asked that donations can be made in Phil’s memory to the mental health charity, Mind.
Investigations are ongoing to establish how he managed to climb the chimney, which has no ladder at ground level.
A temporary ladder used during recent repair works was damaged and only started 15ft above the ground, according to Carlisle city council.
A council spokesperson said the chimney had recently been repaired by specialist contractors and was not accessible to the public.
