After enjoying her 70th birthday celebration in a hot tub, a grandmother tragically passed away due to contracting legionella, a recent inquest revealed. Paulette Crookes, a retired butcher’s assistant, had been spending time at the Dairyman’s Cottage at Tapnell Farm on the Isle of Wight, where she regularly soaked in the hot tub. Following her stay, she fell ill and was admitted to St Mary’s Hospital in Newport, Isle of Wight, where she later succumbed on March 8, 2020, after developing pneumonia from the legionella infection.
The jury in the inquest determined that Mrs. Crookes’ death was directly linked to pneumonia caused by legionella acquired from the hot tub. Mrs. Crookes, who hailed from Rochford in Essex and resided in Sandown, Isle of Wight, had organized the holiday in February 2020 with 10 family members.
During their stay, the family used the hot tub multiple times, but issues arose when they noticed a strange smell and discolored water. Mrs. Crookes felt unwell on the last day of the holiday and left early. Several relatives, including grandchildren, experienced illness, with some developing rashes. Concerned about the hot tub’s maintenance, the family contacted Tapnell Farm, expressing their worries.
Mrs. Crookes’ daughter revealed that no water tests were conducted during their stay, and Mrs. Crookes’ health deteriorated upon returning home. She was hospitalized and diagnosed with legionella, eventually passing away on March 8 after suffering a stroke and a heart attack.
The inquest highlighted that the Environmental Health investigation faced challenges due to the pandemic. Mrs. Crookes’ family raised complaints about the investigation process. The accommodation manager at Tapnell Farm admitted to not reviewing hot tub testing records, and all hot tubs at the property were removed later in 2020 due to various concerns.
The jury deliberated on the cause of Mrs. Crookes’ death, ultimately attributing it to pneumonia resulting from a legionella infection acquired at the holiday cottage. The coroner commended the family for their patience throughout the investigation, acknowledging the difficulties faced during the pandemic.