Legal Experts And Widow Issue Safety Warning And Call For Lessons To Be Learned After Man Drowns On Holiday

A widow whose husband drowned on a holiday excursion is calling for lessons to be learned after lawyers secured a settlement in connection with his death. 

Roy Fawcett, from Blunsdon St Andrew, Swindon, was pulled unresponsive from the sea during a snorkelling expedition in the Dominican Republic.

Despite efforts to revive Roy, the 58-year-old was pronounced dead in hospital the same day. 

Sue asks lawyers to investigate following husband Roy's death in Dominican Republic

Following the dad-of-two’s death his wife Sue instructed specialist international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help investigate and establish answers. 

An inquest into his death concluded that Roy, a project manager, died from “accidental drowning on a poorly monitored holiday excursion.”

Following the inquest Sue’s legal team launched a legal case against TUI through which the couple booked the holiday and through which they believed they had booked the excursion. 

Tour operator agrees settlement

Days before a trial in the High Court the tour operator agreed an undisclosed six-figure out of court settlement. It denied liability. 

With her five-year legal case now over, support worker, Sue, has joined her legal team in urging holidaymakers of the dangers of poorly planned holiday excursions.

Call for lessons to be learned

Nicola Heathcote, the specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Sue, said: "Sue and the rest of her family have faced an incredibly difficult few years trying to come to terms with the loss of Roy in such tragic circumstances.

“Understandably they’ve had a number of concerns about what happened to Roy with the inquest also finding areas of concern. 

“While nothing can make up for Roy’s death and the hurt and pain Sue has endured, we’re pleased to have secured this settlement. We hope this provides Roy’s family with a sense of closure and allows them to access the specialist support they require to try and come to terms with what happened the best they can.

“Excursions can be a great way to enjoy a holiday but as in Roy’s case can end in devastation. Therefore, it’s vital that lessons are learned from what happened to Roy to improve holiday safety for others.”

Accident abroad: Roy Fawcett's story

Roy and Sue booked the trip to Paradise Island two days before the end of their all-inclusive holiday in October 2017.  

While Sue stayed in the shallows, Roy went into deeper waters snorkelling with another group, including tourists but was later spotted face down and not moving.

Members of the party helped get Roy onto the beach, from where he was taken by boat to the mainland and then hospital.

Sue said that she and Roy only booked the trip under the impression it was provided by TUI. The tour operator argued the excursion didn’t form part of their package.

Sue issues holiday excursion safety warning 

Sue said: “While it’s more than five years since Roy’s death, the hurt and pain is as strong now as it was then. 

“I lost my husband and best friend who I thought I would grow old with. There’s not a day goes by where I don’t think of Roy and get upset that he’s no longer in our lives. 

“We had so many hopes and plans for the future and it’s difficult not to think these were snatched away from us. Birthdays and family occasions are particularly difficult and just not the same without Roy by my side. 

“I’d do anything to have Roy back but I know that’s not possible.

“Before signing up to anything I’d urge all holidaymakers to make sure they know who’s organising any trips and what safety measures are in place. 

“I can’t turn the clock back but by speaking out I just hope that I can raise awareness of what we’ve been through to potentially help others.”

Roy also leaves behind the couple’s son Nathan Fawcett and Sue’s daughter Sabrina. 

Find out more about our expertise in supporting families affected by accidents on holiday at our dedicated accidents abroad section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.