Tributes Pour In For Local Wine Merchant

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Patrick Sandeman died in a parachute accident

Patrick was co-owner of Lea & Sandeman with shops in Chiswick, Barnes, Chelsea & Kensington. His parachute collapsed after a mid air collision with another jumper who is seriously injured but in a stable condition.

Guy Woodward, the editor of Decanter magazine, wrote on Twitter: “Patrick Sandeman died in a tragic skydiving accident. A great guy and a fantastic wine merchant."

New Zealand winemaker Jo Mills from Rippon vineyard in Wanaka tweeted:
"Saw the loss of a great friend and a legend in our industry. We will raise a glass to you tonight, Patrick Sandeman."

Mr Sandeman was pronounced dead at the scene after witnesses called emergency services at 3.30pm. The second skydiver, believed to be French, suffered severe spinal and lower leg injuries and was flown by an air ambulance run by Magpas, the emergency medical charity, to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

A spokesman for charity Magpas Helimedix said:
"Sadly despite all the best efforts of the Helimedix a man was pronounced dead at the scene, our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."

Patrick leaves behind his wife Katherine, and three children.

September 24, 2012