16.08.2024

Leisure Company Admits Health And Safety Breaches In Connection With Wakeboarding Incident

The loved ones of an Olympic TV editor seriously injured in a water sport crash have revealed the “life sentence of pain" they have been left to face after a leisure firm admitted health and safety breaches.

Euan Southcott suffered life-changing injuries in a wakeboarding crash which happened at Festival Wakeboard Park in Basildon, Essex in June 2020.

London man suffers pelvic injuries when plastic ramp shatters

Euan, of Catford, London, was a highly experienced wakeboarder and an ex-professional snowboarder.  However, whilst negotiating one of the jumps, as he had done successfully many times before, he fell onto a ramp made of plastic panels which splintered on impact. The shards of plastic caused a number of serious injuries, including a fractured coccyx, pelvic injuries and deep lacerations.  

He was airlifted to hospital where he underwent life-saving surgery. He spent around eight weeks in hospital during which time he underwent a further nine operations and reconstructive surgeries to help repair his organs. Euan required a stoma because of his injuries. 

Serious injury lawyers instructed

Euan had worked on major sporting events including The Olympics; Match Of The Day; The America’s Cup; FISU Winter Games; Formula E; Moto GP and The Commonwealth Games as a freelance TV editor.  Following the incident in June 2020, Euan instructed specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help his recovery.

In addition to his physical injuries, Euan developed mental health issues following the incident. He died aged 44, in January 2024, while still awaiting further repair surgery.

Family speaks for first time following man's death three years after incident

Euan’s loved ones have now spoken for the first time about the impact the incident had on his life and theirs and are calling for leisure companies to ensure the safety of participants.

It comes after JVP Leisure Ltd, the owner of the waterpark, pleaded guilty to breaches of the Health and Safety Act. It originally denied charges but changed its plea following further legal submissions by Basildon Council, which brought the prosecution.

Jessica Bowles is a specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Euan’s loved ones, including his mum Rosalind and his dad David.

 

Expert Opinion

“Euan was an experienced wakeboarder and the incredibly serious injuries he suffered in the crash had a profound effect on his life.

“Understandably his death has devastated everyone he loved and who loved him and has compounded the anguish and misery experienced by his father and his extended family in Scotland, who all loved him very much.

“While we’re pleased that the company has admitted its guilt in connection to the incident, Euan’s family believe this is not before time and could have come sooner. What happened to Euan vividly highlights the consequences people can suffer when safety breaches occur and why it’s vital to ensure the highest standards are upheld at all times. We continue to support his loved ones at this distressing time.” Jessica Bowles

 

Euan's story

Once discharged from hospital Euan struggled to walk and had to sleep downstairs. He also struggled to sit down because of his injuries, so had to lay down, even when travelling in a car.

He tried to return to work at the start of 2021 and valiantly flew to Tokyo to edit the Olympic sailing events but struggled to work because of the physical and mental injuries he suffered.

On returning to the UK, Euan attempted work again but found it increasingly difficult and was forced to give up the career he loved. 

The physical and mental injuries Euan sustained resulted in the breakdown of his marriage, the loss of his home, the loss of income and the loss of his self-esteem.  He left London and moved to Brighton to live with his mum, whilst waiting for further surgery when he died.

Mum pays tribute to son who was 'full of life'

Rosalind, Euan’s mum said: “Euan was very active and full of life.  He loved snowboarding, wakeboarding and swimming and was highly respected by his friends and peers. He was very active but all that changed on the day he was injured.  Euan spent many weeks in hospital, however, that was just the start of it. Once home he continued to suffer with problems and went from being an independent and outgoing person to one completely reliant on family.

“Euan threw himself into his rehab and worked tremendously hard on overcoming the immense physical and mental trauma he had sustained. However, as time passed and the new reality of his life as a disabled person took hold, Euan found it harder and harder to live with the life he now had.

“Although Euan didn’t physically die in June 2020 his spirit, hope and future was crushed. The incident ruined his and our lives. Euan was one of the good guys and didn’t deserve to have to go through the hurt, pain and suffering he did. His death has left all his loved ones facing a life sentence of pain.

"All we can hope for now is that by speaking out we can ensure companies and event organisers realise the devastating consequences families can be left to face if safety standards aren’t maintained.”

Company fined more than £27,000

JVP Leisure Ltd was sentenced on 14 August 2024 and was fined £27,135.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people affected by serious injury at the dedicated section on our website. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.