Man dies at Devon waterpark
The man from Bristol suffered a medical episode and died in hospital
Last updated 24th Aug 2023
A man has died after falling ill at a waterpark in Devon.
Splashdown Waterpark in Paignton has been closed all afternoon - bosses there say it's not related to any waterpark activity.
The man, in his 40s and from Bristol was taken to Torbay hospital, but he died later - his next of kin have been told, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
Lemur Attractions, which runs the waterpark, gave us this statement:
"We recognise that this incident may have caused some upset amongst our visitors and apologise for any distress that this may have caused, however, in an emergency the safety and well being of the person concerned was paramount due to the seriousness of the situation that presented itself."
A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We were called at 12:04 to a medical emergency in the Paignton area. We sent two double-crewed land ambulances, an air ambulance and an operations officer to the scene. One patient was conveyed by land to Torbay Hospital.”
Updated statement from Lemur Attractions:
"Sadly, we understand from Devon and Cornwall Police that the person concerned has subsequently passed away, our thoughts are with the family of the person concerned and send our deepest condolences to them.
"This incident occurred at Splashdown Quaywest waterpark at approximately 12 today. A person suffered a medical issue.
"An ambulance was called immediately and Splashdown waterpark staff and three off duty nurses came to the aid of the person. Subsequently, the air ambulance was also called.
"Despite the extensive efforts of those involved we have since learned that the person concerned has died."
Alan Richmond, Managing Director says: "I was present at the site today when the incident occurred. We are so sorry to hear that the person passed away and our thoughts are with the friends and family of the deceased.
"I would like to thank and commend our staff for their prompt actions to administer first aid to our customer, together with the off-duty nurses that came forward to help and the actions of the ambulance staff that attended. It has been a shocking and upsetting day for everyone involved.
"We are consulting with our staff to make sure that they are ok. I would also like to take the opportunity to reassure our visitors that this was a medical episode not involving the waterpark operation.
"We recognise that this incident may have caused some upset amongst our visitors and apologise for any distress that this may have caused, however, our priority was the person concerned due to the seriousness of the situation that presented itself.
"We are able to be open tomorrow (Thursday 24 August) following consultation with the appropriate authorities who are satisfied that no further investigation is necessary on our part, but we understand that a file will be prepared for the Coroner."