A MECHANIC died after his Land Rover he had been working on fell and crushed him.

Michael King, 61, was trying to fix the car on the driveway at his home in Drayton on May 31, after it failed its MOT, Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court heard yesterday.

The inquest heard that his partner of 13 years, Linda Gill, had just taken him a cup of coffee and was heading back to the house when she heard him yell out: “Get me help!”

The Land Rover had come off the jack and fallen on to Mr King’s chest, abdomen and legs, causing a heart attack the court heard.

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Ms Gill, who in a statement described the vehicle as her partner’s “pride and joy”, tried unsuccessfully to lift the car.

Dr David Garry said the medical cause of death was brain injury caused by a heart attack.

Assistant Coroner Nicholas Graham recorded an accidental death verdict but said the car was unstable.

Mr King’s brother, James told the inquest: “He was normally so careful and knew his job. If he was here today, he’d be kicking himself.”

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