FARMING, rugby and music communities are all reeling at the sudden tragic death of a “larger than life” local figure.
Nigel Fox, from Evenley, died on Friday, November 2, in an accident on a farm in Wiltshire.
The incident is being investigated by Wiltshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive. An inquest has been opened and adjourned.
Nigel Fox was born at Rookery Farm, Hinton-in-the-Hedges, and the family moved to Evenley when he was two.
He worked as a self-employed truck driver and ran the family arable farm.
He had a long rugby career, starting as a schoolboy at Oxford Rugby Club and playing for England Youth.
He played prop forward for Northampton Saints and also played for Brackley Rugby Club and coached for Buckingham Rugby Club.
Tributes have been paid by all three local clubs.
The Brackley Rugby Club website said: “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of Nigel Fox, a great friend of Brackley RUFC.
“Foxy was great friend to Brackley RUFC, a former Saints player who made 270-plus appearances before playing for Brackley.
“He was always larger than life and great company be it playing his guitar or simply sharing a post match pint.”
Mr Fox was also well known as a bass guitarist, and a Buckingham BandJam regular.
He first formed a band with guitarist Syd Twynham, in 1970, and the pair got back together about 10 years ago to form the Montana’s.
Mr Twynham said: “It’s completely rocked the whole community round here. Foxy was a legend.
“I’m still getting messages from everywhere saying it can’t be true.
“Foxy was known and loved by thousands of people. He was a larger than life character. He was a big man with a big heart.”
Mr Fox married his wife Sally in May.
He also leaves a daughter Harriet, aged 24, a son George, aged 19, and a sister, Jackie.
Jackie Fox said: “He was a very loved dad and brother and husband.
“He was a devoted dad to his children and a devoted husband to his wife Sally.
“He adored his children. He was a most wonderful dad.
“It’s absolutely gut-wrenching because he was so happy. If we have anything to be thankful for, it is the fact that he died happy.”