Tributes have been paid to a caring “gentleman” who was struck by lightning in a sudden thunderstorm to hit the Dengie last week.

Keith Kirkum, 59, of Regents Court, Burnham, died after taking his kayak out alone in Bradwell-on-Sea last Monday afternoon when a gale hit the area without warning.

It is understood from the coroner that he suffered a cardiac arrest from the lightning strike and did not drown.

His clothing was burnt.

A dog walker found his body the next day on Bradwell beach.

Charlotte Kelly, 61, his partner of 25 years, said: “It’s a devastating loss."

See this week's MBS for the full story.