A SPA in Barmouth owned by Prof Richard Parry-Jones has announced it is to close for the “foreseeable future” following his tragic death.

Prof Parry-Jones died in an accident involving a tractor on Friday, 16 April, at his home near Barmouth.

Coes Faen Spa Lodge, on the A496 on the Mawddach Estuary in Barmouth, is owned by Prof Parry-Jones and his wife Sara, a previous North Editor of the Cambrian News.

In a statement posted on their social media pages on Friday, 23 April, the spa hotel announced: “It is with deep sadness and regret that we intend to close Coes Faen for the foreseeable future, due to the untimely death of owner Richard Parry-Jones.”

They added: “We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.

“We trust that you will understand.”

Tributes to Richard Parry-Jones, a ‘giant’ of the car industry, included one from First Minister Mark Drakeford.

He said: “It was with great regret that I learned of the death of Richard Parry-Jones.

“Throughout his long and illustrious career, in which he rose to global significance within the automotive engineering industry, Richard was always a champion of the Welsh economy.”

Ford executive chairman Bill Ford called him “a rare talent who left an indelible mark on Ford and the industry”.

A spokesperson for Marshall Motor Group, of which Prof Parry-Jones was chairman, said: “We are deeply saddened to have to inform you of the sudden passing of our chairman, Prof Richard Parry-Jones, following a tragic incident near his home in Wales.”

North Wales Police said a 69-year-old man died in an incident on Friday, 16 April, on private land near Barmouth involving a tractor.

The Health and Safety Executive is investigating.