9 hours ago
The family of Corrie Lee Stavers, who has died while working on a fairground ride in North Tyneside, have issued a statement describing the “impossible” pain of their loss.
Stavers, 28, suffered “serious head injuries” in what Northumbria police described as a “workplace accident” at the Spanish City Summer Funfair in Whitley Bay on Saturday afternoon.
He was treated at the scene by the emergency services, which were alerted at 2.15pm, but was declared dead shortly afterwards.
The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and is assisting in the investigation to establish what happened, police said.
Stavers, who police said is originally from the Sunderland area, was described as “our beloved Corrie” by his family.
In a statement, they said: “It’s with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our beloved Corrie has passed away.
“He was tragically taken from us in an accident while working on a fairground ride. 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 for ever.
“We love you endlessly, Corrie, and we miss you more than words can ever say. You’re with our mam now – rest in peace Corrie.”
The family, who are being supported by specialist officers, have asked for privacy.
On Facebook, a spokesperson for Turners Funfairs and Spanish City Funfairs posted that they were “heartbroken” that a “much loved colleague” had died in the “tragic accident”.
They added: “Our team is like a family and we are all deeply affected by this loss. As a mark of respect, Spanish City Funfair will remain closed this weekend, while we take the time to grieve together.”
Northumbria police said anyone with information on the incident could contact officers by sending them a direct message on social media, or by using the live chat or report-form functions on the force’s website.
The police spokesperson added: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this extremely difficult time.”
