A sunny day at the Spanish City Summer Funfair in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, turned into heartbreak on Saturday when 28-year-old Corrie Lee Stavers, a devoted father and fairground worker, tragically died in a workplace accident.
Friends and family are struggling to make sense of the sudden loss, which has left a community in mourning.
Incident Occurs While Retrieving Jacket
According to Corrie’s family, he was attempting to retrieve a jacket from the ‘Experience’ ride when it came down unexpectedly, striking him in the head.
Witnesses described desperate attempts by workers and paramedics to save him, including 25 minutes of revival efforts, but sadly, Corrie was pronounced dead at the scene.
Remembering Corrie Through Social Media Memories
Just days before the accident, Corrie shared a smiling photo of himself on a fairground ride in his Turners Funfairs uniform.
He often posted selfies and videos of his five-year-old son, Lennie-Lee, lovingly described by friends as a “mini you.”
Corrie had been finding his footing again after losing his mother the previous year, balancing grief with raising his young son.
Family Seeks Answers Amid Investigation
Corrie’s father, Lee Stavers, 50, told the Daily Mail the family is still trying to understand how such a tragedy could happen.
“The police have told us Corrie was operating the ride and went to get a jacket or something, and misjudged the timing.
But we just don’t know,” he said. Northumbria Police are leading the investigation, with support from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Lee added, “Everything’s just happened so suddenly. We really can’t figure out why this has happened.
I hope one day we might be able to get those answers.
I’m just trying to get through this with my family and give my grandson the best send-off we can.”
GoFundMe Launched for Funeral and Son’s Future
To help support Corrie’s five-year-old son, Lennie-Lee, and cover funeral costs, the family has set up a GoFundMe page.
“His son has been left without a father,” Lee said. “Corrie absolutely doted on that child. He was a wonderful father.”
Corrie’s Life Beyond Work
Lee described Corrie as kind-hearted and eager to please, someone who would help anyone in need.
Corrie had a background in boxing but had to stop after a nose injury.
His brother, meanwhile, continues in the sport and is doing well.
Lee emphasized that Corrie loved his job at the fairground and always looked happy on the rides and in his photos.
Tributes Pour In From Family and Friends
Corrie’s siblings released a joint statement: “It’s with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our beloved brother 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.”
Friends and family have shared emotional tributes online, often referencing Corrie being reunited with his late mother.
On April 12, Corrie shared a memorial photo of his mother, writing, “Love you mam miss you so much.”
Eyewitness Accounts of the Tragedy
Witnesses described the horrifying moments of the accident, explaining that Corrie was struck as the ride was finishing and that emergency teams desperately tried to revive him.
An air ambulance was spotted landing nearby to assist.
Authorities Respond and Fairground Closed
Northumbria Police confirmed the incident and stated that the Health and Safety Executive is assisting with the investigation.
The fairground, which had been open through the Bank Holiday, remains closed to the public.
Officials are urging anyone with information to contact the police through social media or their website.
Community in Shock
Dog walkers and local residents expressed their shock at the tragedy. “It’s horrific.
You don’t expect something like this,” one local said.
The community continues to grapple with the sudden and devastating loss of a young father and beloved member of the fairground family.
