SnowDome: Police name 12-year-old boy who died in indoor ski centre incident
Monday 27 September 2021, 6:43pm
Police have named a 12-year-old boy who died in an incident at an indoor ski centre, SnowDome in Staffordshire.
Louis Watkiss, of Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands died after being seriously injured at the SnowDome in Tamworth, on Friday evening, police said.
Releasing a photograph of the youngster, the Staffordshire Police said in a statement: "Police were called at 6.40pm on September 24 to reports that a child had been seriously injured at the SnowDome.
"Officers attended the location, along with ambulance crews.
"Sadly, Louis, died of his injuries shortly afterwards."
SnowDome in Staffordshire will remain closed for the foreseeable future and an investigation is underway after the youngster died at the indoor ski slope.
SnowDome directors said they were "deeply shocked" following the schoolboy's tragic death.
The site, at Leisure Island on River Drive, is unable to reopen until work has been completed but bosses "hope to be able to update in the very near future".
Two ambulances, two paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulances from Cosford and Staffordshire were sent to the scene.
Credit: BPM Media
In a statement, the company said: "The SnowDome is to remain temporarily closed following the tragic death of a child on Friday evening.
"Directors and staff are deeply shocked by what happened, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this terrible time. "An investigation is currently being carried out by the authorities, and we are giving it our full co-operation."
The company continued: "We are unable to reopen until their work has been completed, but hope to be able to update you on the position in the very near future. If you have a booking affected by the closure, we will be in touch with you shortly."
Two ambulances, two paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulances were sent to the area
West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed two ambulances, two paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulances from Cosford and Staffordshire were sent to the scene.
A WMAS spokeswoman added: "On arrival crews found a boy who had suffered very serious injuries.
"Staff worked on him providing advanced life support, but sadly, despite all of the efforts it was not possible to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene."
Alan White, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: "I was shocked to hear the tragic news of the incident involving a child at Tamworth SnowDome.
"We must wait for the circumstances to be established but I offer my deepest sympathies at this terrible time to the family and friends of the deceased and to everyone affected by this tragedy."
Anyone who has information about the incident can contact police on 101 or via social media ref 665 of 24 September.
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