THE Health and Safety Executive is investigating the death of a joiner who fell from a ladder at one of Suffolk’s best-known estates.

AN INVESTIGATION is under way into the death of a joiner who fell from a ladder at one of Suffolk’s best-known estates.

Robert Webb, 64, was airlifted to hospital after he fell 15ft from a ladder while working at the Elveden Estate in October.

Mr Webb, who lived in Thetford, died at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge on October 30.

It is understood Mr Webb, a bachelor without children, had worked at the Elveden Estate for some time.

The 22,000-acre estate is owned by the Earl of Iveagh and the Guinness family. The family was named second wealthiest in East Anglia in the 2010 Sunday Times Rich List, which reported a 10% increase in their fortune to �820million.

The Earl of Iveagh is a direct descendant of brewer Arthur Guinness, who invented the classic stout in 1759.

A spokeswoman for the Heath and Safety Executive last night confirmed it was investigating the incident at the estate as a death at work.

However, she declined to comment further at this stage because of the investigation.

A spokeswoman for the Elveden Estate said yesterday: “The Board of Elveden Farms Limited is much saddened by the death of Bob Webb.

“Bob has carried out work on the estate as a joinery contractor for over 15 years and is a familiar character to many who are involved with the estate.

“Elveden’s thoughts and condolences are with Bob’s family.”

Explaining what happened, a spokeswoman for the East Anglian Air Ambulance told how Mr Webb had been working on a building at the estate before his 15ft fall.

She said: “The man was discovered unconscious, with a head injury.

“The air ambulance was tasked because of the serious nature of his injuries and landed in the grounds at Elveden.

“The patient was anaesthetised on scene by Dr Tom Moore working with East of England Ambulance Trust critical care paramedic Ben Caine.

“He was then flown to Addenbrooke’s Hospital by pilot Andy Tween. His condition on arrival was critical.”

The funeral of Mr Webb, who was the only son of the late Hilda and Frank Webb, will be held at Thetford Methodist Church on Thursday followed by committal at West Suffolk Crematorium.