The parents of a young boy who tragically lost his life in a fatal accident at an indoor ski slope expressed their devastation at being denied an official inquest into the incident.
Natalie and Chris Watkiss shared their emotions outside the South Staffordshire Coroner’s Court in Stafford following the decision by Coroner Fiona Gingell to not proceed with a formal inquest into the death of their son, Louis. The 12-year-old passed away when a staff member, Joseph Dibb, inadvertently crossed paths with him during a tobogganing session at the SnowDome on September 24, 2021.
Louis, who was attending a friend’s birthday celebration, was tobogganing down the slope when the manager on duty, Mr. Dibb, walked out to address an ice-related issue. Unfortunately, Mr. Dibb was not wearing a high visibility jacket and unknowingly walked into Louis’ path, resulting in a collision that led to a severe head injury deemed unsurvivable by a pathologist. The grieving parents have been advocating for justice for their son.
A prior investigation by the Health and Safety Executive earlier in the year concluded with the SnowDome accepting responsibility for Louis’ tragic death and receiving a fine of £100,000. The family had hoped that a formal inquest would provide an opportunity for accountability and lessons to be learned from the incident.
Coroner Gingell stated, “There was no aspect of the statutory investigation that necessitated further action.” An inquest serves the specific purpose of determining the circumstances surrounding a death. Following the court session, Natalie and Chris expressed feeling emotionally drained and shattered by the judicial process and the denial of an inquest.
Natalie conveyed to BirminghamLive, “We are still in shock and haven’t had the chance to properly mourn because the entire system has deprived us of that opportunity. Our memories of Louis are intertwined with the system, leaving us drained and exhausted, as a family, we are shattered. We need time to rest and be with our surviving son who has been neglected for years. Louis’ legacy must live on, and we will ensure his memory remains vibrant.”
Chris, Louis’ father, added, “Every moment is filled with anguish. We fear the upcoming challenges as we feel there is no more fight left in us. The pain is unimaginable, and the future seems daunting without a cause to pursue.”
The SnowDome was fined £100,000 by District Judge Kevin Grego and instructed to cover additional costs of £16,000. The family criticized the penalty as inadequate, describing it as a mere slap on the wrist for the establishment.
