Family pays tribute to farm worker after his death

An inquest into the death of a seasonal farm worker in Jersey has heard that he was deeply committed to providing for his family.

George Michael Monte De Ramos Castrudes, 37, died last January after a fire he started to keep warm at La Valette nursery in Grouville spread out of control.

The hearing is examining whether financial hardship and his immigration circumstances may have played a role in the events leading to his death.

Originally from the Philippines, Castrudes had worked seasonally on the island for three years and was employed by a local farming family. He died from carbon monoxide poisoning after a blaze broke out in his accommodation, believed to have started from a makeshift fire lit inside a washing machine drum for warmth.

Family members followed proceedings remotely from the Philippines as the inquest took place at Morier House in St Helier.

His sister, Grace Castrudes, told the hearing he had been hesitant to use heating in his portacabin despite cold conditions because he feared the expense. Evidence also showed he regularly sent money home to support relatives.

On the day of the fire, Castrudes had asked a neighbour for help because he had no food. Nicole Bowley said she gave him £10 and some soup, telling the inquest it must have been difficult for him to ask for assistance.

The hearing was told the batteries in his smoke alarm had run flat. Medical evidence concluded he died from hypoxic brain injury caused by carbon monoxide exposure. Tests found his hypoxia-haemoglobin level was 53%, far above the threshold considered life-threatening.

Matt Berry, Deputy Viscount Advocate, said the inquiry would examine five central issues, including whether Castrudes’s financial pressures and immigration status contributed to his death.

The inquest is continuing and is expected to conclude on Friday.