A California man died after he fell off a World War II–era tank and was run over during a family event at the property of Jelly Belly board chair Herman Rowland Sr., the Daily Republic reported.
A family reunion was taking place Saturday afternoon at the property in Fairfield, California, not far from the Jelly Belly Candy Company factory. Rowland is known for his collection of military equipment, including a cannon he retrofitted to fire candy.
The tank, driven by Rowland's son-in-law Dwayne Brasher, was off-road when it hit a bump, knocking Kevin Wright off, the Daily Republic reported. Wright was described as a family friend who was known for his abilities as a mechanic and remembered for always helping those in need, his daughters told Fox 40.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, and the incident is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
Brasher is married to Lisa Rowland Brasher, who was named CEO of Jelly Belly earlier this year.
The Rowland family said in a statement that they were in shock over what happened:
"Our family is grieving over this tragic loss. The gentleman involved in this accident was a passionate person, always ready to lend a hand and we shared the same deep rooted love of history. To have him die so tragically during our family reunion is impossible to comprehend."
The family is cooperating with investigators and has also offered counseling to those affected by the accident.