Dixon’s Chimney death: Family pay tribute to ‘strong, brave’ grandfather Robert Longcake

53-year-old scaled listed building using maintenance ladders, council says

The family of a man who died after becoming trapped at the top of a 270ft chimney has paid tribute to the 53-year-old, describing him as a “brave” man and a “fantastic grandad”.

Robert Philip Longcake, known as Phil, climbed ladders on Carlisle‘s Dixon’s Chimney at 2.22am on Monday morning.

His body was brought down at around 5pm on Tuesday after a specialist working-at-height team used ropes and a cherry picker to winch him down.

Longcake’s family said: “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.”

Longcake was adored by his three grandchildren, his family added.

“Phil had many wonderful and happy times with his family, and these memories will be treasured by his loved ones,” they added.

City council officials confirmed Longcake scaled the chimney by climbing a temporary ladder, which was one of a number placed at the site for repair works.

The work was completed before the man’s death but the ladders were not removed.

Robert Philip Longcake was 53 (PA)

They were due to be removed next week and were within a walled and gated compound.

Council chiefs said it was unclear how Longcake managed to access the ladder, as its bottom rung was 15ft above the ground.

A Carlisle City Council spokesperson said: “Recent works have been undertaken on the chimney building by a specialist contractor working on our behalf.

“The maintenance work was completed prior to the incident. The site is secure and is surrounded by a walled and gated compound.

“There is no direct access to the chimney from ground level.

“The ladders which are currently attached to the structure are temporary and were installed by the contractor to facilitate access to complete the maintenance repairs.

“We are working with our special contractor to remove the ladders.”

A helicopter, drone and cherry picker were deployed as part of a rescue mission and fire chiefs were forced to make a public appeal for an aerial work platform capable of reaching Longcake.

One was later brought to the scene from Glasgow. Police officers spoke to Longcake earlier in the operation using a drone but said he stopped responding to the rescue effort in the afternoon.

Emergency services teams retrieved Longcake from the chimney on Monday afternoon, after a 14-hour long operation.

Paramedics confirmed he had died at the scene.

Cumbria Police has launched an investigation into how and why the 53-year-old climbed up the former cotton mill tower.

Dixon’s Chimney is a Grade II listed building raised in 1836, when it was the largest chimney in the country.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and Ireland), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

For services local to you, the national mental health database – hubofhope.co.uk – allows you to enter your postcode to search for organisations and charities who offer mental health advice and support in your area.

Additional reporting by agencies