Tributes paid to Lancaster man who died after climbing centre accident

Monday, 1 May 2023 15:07

Tributes have been paid to a Lancaster man who has died a week after an accident at a climbing adventure centre in Cumbria.

Carl O’Keeffe passed away at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle yesterday afternoon.

The 49-year-old was rescued from the centre in Keswick last Saturday (April 22) after becoming trapped inside an indoor caving experience during a children's birthday party.

A multi agency response attended which included Cumbria Fire & Rescue, Police, ambulance and Keswick Mountain Rescue, who were all quickly on scene.

The Cumbria Ore Mines Rescue Unit (COMRU), and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) also attended.

While the emergency services were deciding on evacuation plans the climbing wall staff, assisted by visiting climbers, started dismantling sections of the wall to aid access to tunnels hidden behind the climbing wall panels.

With time passing there was growing concern for Carl, as he was in a static position in a confined space, and Great North Air Ambulance Helimed resources were also called upon.

Carl was rescued after more than four hours and rushed to hospital.

His sister Olivia Short, confirmed on social media, that Carl had passed away.

‘’He was my baby brother and over the last few years became my best friend,’’ she wrote.

‘’I loved him dearly and we were in contact daily doing word challenges and exchanging weird facts of nature. I also got to spend alternate weekends with him and his children.

‘’I have been with him since his accident. It became apparent that the injuries were severe and he would not be able to survive. He was then moved to a private room and I was able to stay with him so that he could die with some dignity.

‘’I’m broken hearted. As are the rest of our family.

A tribute from his family said: "Carl was a devoted parent and he will leave a huge hole in their lives.

"He was a strong advocate for the neurodiverse community. He taught people to learn what adjustments they needed in life and to not only accept them but to live them.

"He was often seen in dark glasses and a fedora hat as he was photophobic. He had a brilliant mind and was in the process of applying to start an astrophysics PhD.

"He was fascinated by solar storms and had been predicting the one that happened this week while he slept. He spent years having the NASA Hubble photos tattooed onto his arm."

A spokesperson for Kong Adventure Centre said: "On Saturday 22 April, a member of the public became stuck in the cave system.’’

"Staff tried to help the man and followed all emergency procedures but it became apparent that outside assistance was needed.

"Fire crew, mountain rescue, cave rescue, paramedics and Kong staff then worked to extricate the casualty who was taken to Carlisle hospital for further treatment.

A spokesperson for Kong Adventure Centre said: "All the staff at Kong Adventure are shocked and saddened to hear this terrible news.

"Our thoughts at this time are with the family, friends and everyone involved."

A spokesperson for Cumberland Council said: "We have been notified of an incident that took place at the Kong Adventure Centre, Keswick, and are investigating the matter, as the regulating body."

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