Kent Father Found Dead Behind Shed Two Days After Chainsaw Accident

Ed Parry died in a freak chainsaw accident

A father-of-two was found dead behind a garden shed by his wife, two days after accidentally injuring himself with a chainsaw while carrying out DIY work at their home in Seasalter, Kent, an inquest heard.

Ed Parry, 54, had been doing gardening jobs when he cut his wrist with the tool. His wife, Amy, reported him missing after he failed to return home, sparking a police search that included CCTV checks, financial record reviews, and neighbour interviews.

He was discovered by his wife Amy

Tragically, Ed was discovered almost 48 hours later after the family dog repeatedly indicated toward the shed. Amy went to investigate and found her husband’s body wedged between the shed and fence panels.

Police and fire crews attended the scene, where a handheld chainsaw with bloodstains was recovered nearby. Officers confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances and no evidence of third-party involvement.

Amy told the inquest that the day began like any other, with her taking the couple’s eldest son, 18, to Ashford, while Ed went to Canterbury with their youngest son, 13. When she returned home, she was alarmed to find her younger child alone, with Ed’s wallet, keys, and car still at the house. After repeated failed attempts to contact him, she reported him missing.

Ed had been doing DIY when the horror unfolded

She described the situation as “bizarre from the start,” explaining that it felt as though her husband had “been abducted.”

Coroner Sarah Clarke confirmed Ed had not intended to take his own life, noting that he had his phone and credit card on him and left no note. She concluded that his death was accidental, saying: “I have no evidence this was an intentional act. I have good evidence that [gardening] was a normal activity for Ed.”

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Clarke expressed hope that the findings would help the couple’s children understand the circumstances in the future.