Road haulage legend Eddie Stobart has died in hospital, aged 56.
The Cumbrian-born businessman - who was the driving force behind the rise of the transport brand - suffered a suspected heart attack yesterday
Stobart led the firm, established by his father Eddie, in Hesket Newmarket, for more than 30 years until he sold the business to his younger brother William and his business partner Andrew Tinkler in 2004.
William Stobart maintains the family’s links with the Stobart Group as its chief operating officer.
The business is now part of the stock exchange-listed Stobart Group. The firm celebrated its 40th anniversary in November.
The company said in a statement: “Edward built Eddie Stobart Ltd into the iconic brand and business we know today. Our thoughts are with Edward’s wife Mandy, his children and family at this difficult time.”
The Freight Transport Association’s ceo Theo de Pencier said: “We are saddened to hear news of the death of Eddie Stobart. In a sector not renowned for its public image, Eddie Stobart pioneered a professional and respectable image that endeared the trucks that bear his name to the public. The haulage industry owes him a debt of gratitude for the way he brought a personal and human touch to the sector and helped earn the public’s respect for the job we do. In addition he laid the foundations for the diversified and successful business that it is today. Our condolences go to his family and friends.”
The father-of-six had been living in Warwickshire, where he suffered heart problems on Wednesday. He died at University Hospital, Coventry, at 8.10am yesterday.
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