Funfair Worker, 28, Dies After Sustaining ‘Serious Head Injuries’ in Accident on Ride

An amusement park worker in the U.K. has died after suffering a fatal head injury in what authorities described as a “workplace incident.”

According to BBC and The Guardian, the accident occurred at the Spanish City Summer Funfair in Whitley Bay around 2:15 p.m. local time on Saturday, Aug. 23. The victim was later identified by family as 28-year-old Corrie Stavers.

“It’s with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our beloved brother Corrie has passed away,” his sister Ashlee Mccabe wrote in a Facebook tribute. “None of us were prepared for this, and the pain of losing him so suddenly is impossible to put into words. Our lives will never be the same without him, but his memory will live on in our hearts forever.”

She added: “We love you endlessly, Corrie, and we miss you more than words can ever say.”

Police confirmed the incident in a statement to The Guardian, noting, “Emergency services attended and a man in his 20s was found to have suffered serious head injuries. Despite the best efforts of medical staff who attended the scene, a short time later the man was sadly declared dead.”

Authorities have not released details on how Stavers was injured.

The Daily Mail reported that an air ambulance was seen landing near the fairground. The local ambulance service also told the Mirror it had dispatched multiple emergency teams, including a rapid response paramedic, clinical team leader, ambulance crew and an air ambulance. An off-duty medic at the site also provided assistance.

Both outlets noted that the accident happened on a ride.

“His next of kin have been contacted and are being supported by specialist officers,” police said, adding that the Health and Safety Executive is now working with investigators to determine the cause of the incident.

Authorities urged anyone with information to reach out to Northumbria Police via their app or website.

“Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this extremely difficult time,” the statement added.

The Spanish City Summer Funfair later announced on social media that the event would remain closed “until further notice” following the tragedy.

According to the fair’s Facebook page, the event was scheduled to run through Monday, Aug. 25 — a U.K. holiday — and featured roller coasters, family rides, games, and food stalls.