James Heselden, owner of Segway Inc., has died in an accident after driving a Segway off a cliff and into a river.
Heselden crashed into the River Wharfe while driving the two-wheeled vehicle around his estate, a police spokesperson said.
He was pronounced dead at the scene and the vehicle was recovered from the water.
“It is with great sadness that we have to confirm that Jimi Heselden OBE, has died in a tragic accident near his home in West Yorkshire,” said Paula Hargadon, a spokeswomen for Hesco Bastion Ltd, which was founded by Heselden.
“Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends, who have asked for privacy at this time.”
Heselden, 62, bought Segway Inc. from inventor Dean Kamen.
He had privately given more than £20 million to the Leeds Community Foundation and supported charities for ex-servicemen and women.
He went public with these offerings in order to encourage others to keep up charitable donations in the midst of recession.
