Isle of Man food truck withdraws from community following tragic death of employee

The owner of a popular food truck has announced that he will close his current business following the death of one of his employees.

The Manx Burger Van Grill and Chill began serving customers in the car park of Marown Primary School on July 24.

But owner James Bennet says that following Nesta Haselden's death, it is now likely that the company will move to another site.

Mr Haselden, 21, died in an accident in Peel earlier this month.

The incident, involving two vehicles and a motorcycle, occurred at approximately 4.18pm on Wednesday, August 7, near Queen Elizabeth II High School (QEII) on Douglas Road in Peel.

Despite all efforts by the emergency services, Mr Haselden succumbed to his injuries.

In a heartfelt online statement, Mr Bennet said it would “not feel right” for the company to continue operating from its current location.

Mr Bennet, who also operates the Meximann truck at the White Hoe industrial estate, said Mr Haselden helped out at the business on certain days.

“As painful as it is to write this, I have a feeling we're not going to do 'Marown' anymore,” he said.

“The guy who helped us every Wednesday was Nesta Haselden. Unfortunately, he passed away a few days ago.

“It just wouldn't feel right to try and make this a regular thing when the thing I look forward to most – spending time with Nesta, chatting, giggling and finding out more about him – won't be possible.”

Mr. Bennet also described Mr. Haselden as “one of the best guys I’ve ever met.”

Following Mr Haselden's death, the people of Peel have come together to help his family.

An online fundraising page created by Melissa Menton initially aimed to raise £5,000 to cover funeral costs, travel expenses for family members and other essential support during this difficult time.

This fundraiser has exceeded all expectations, with total contributions now standing at £9,188.

Earlier this week, Mr Haselden's family issued a statement thanking everyone who donated to the fundraiser or sent flowers, cards and kind words. It said: “We as a family would like to take this opportunity to express our huge gratitude and thank everyone who sent flowers, cards, kind words or donations to the fundraiser.”

“We felt the love.”

“We are devastated, we are stunned, our boy is gone and we don't know what to do.”

“But we had to say something after seeing the love and support for Nesta.

“He touched so many lives and in return we received so much support. We felt the love.”

“Hopefully the people who spent even a minute with him will remember our boy forever.” Since the incident, numerous flowers have also been laid at the scene on Douglas Road.

Isle of Man Police confirmed that two male drivers arrested in connection with the incident have been released on bail pending further investigations.

The circumstances of the collision are currently being investigated. A spokesman for the Isle of Man Constabulary said the names of the two people arrested would not be released at this stage as the investigation continues.