Man dies after emergency alert at Paignton waterpark

A man at the centre of a medical emergency alert at Paignton's Splashdown Quaywest waterpark has died

It is believed he was in his 40s and from the Bristol area.

The popular attraction at Goodrington was closed after the incident this afternoon. Staff and three off-duty nurses have been praised for trying to help the man at the park.

A police spokesman has been quoted as saying: "Police were contacted by the Ambulance Service just after midday on Wednesday, August 23. They were responding to reports of a man having suffered a suspected medical episode on site. Despite the best efforts of those at the scene the man, in his 40s and from the Bristol area, later died.

"His next of kin have been informed and a file is to be prepared for the coroner."

A spokesman for Lemur Attractions who operate Splashdown said: "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 of Lemur, said: "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 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.”

Ticket holders have been contacted and updated information is on our website www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk/quaywest to update our visitors and the general public.