The heartbroken family of a funfair worker killed by a ride have spoken of how their lives ‘will never be the same’.
Corrie Lee-Stavers suffered serious head injuries in a ‘workplace accident’. at the Spanish City Summer Funfair in Whitley Bay on Saturday.
Tributes were paid to the 28-year-old father in a statement released by police.
His family 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.
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‘Our lives will never be the same without him, but his memory will live on in our hearts forever.
‘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.’
His brother Jay said it was a ‘horrible and very sad moment’ for his family: ‘We are all feeling numb, he has left a hole in all of our hearts and all of his friends.
‘Thanks to everyone who was his friend and cared about him.’
His grandmother Christine added: ‘He had his ups and downs but we loved him.’
In a comment shared on Facebook, Spanish City Funfairs called Corrie a ‘much-loved’ colleague.
The post said: ‘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.
‘We kindly ask you for your understanding, and our thoughts and love are with his family and friends at this very sad time.’
Pictures from the scene show police tape cordoning off a ‘Miami’-style ride, where a row of seats is swung vertically.
Dog walkers at the popular seaside spot expressed their shock.
One said: ‘It’s horrific. You don’t expect something like this.
‘The fair is usually open in the afternoon but it’s obvious something really serious has happened.’
Northumbria Police said: ‘Shortly after 2.15pm today (Saturday), we received a report that a man had been injured in a workplace accident at Spanish City Summer Funfair in the Spanish City Plaza area of Whitley Bay in North Tyneside.
‘Emergency services attended and a man in his 20s was found to have suffered serious head injuries.
‘Despite the best efforts of medical staff who attended the scene, a short time later, the man was sadly declared dead.’
North East Ambulance Service said: ‘We received a call at 2:13pm this afternoon to reports of a person seriously injured at a funfair ride near Spanish City at Whitley Bay.
‘We dispatched a rapid response paramedic, a clinical team leader, an emergency ambulance crew and the air ambulance.
‘An off duty medic was also supporting the patient.’
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