A beloved father of three died on Sunday more than a week after he got trapped inside an indoor cave at a local adventure park in England.
The man “attempted to turn around” in a narrow tunnel, but wound up getting stuck instead, according to a statement from theKeswick Mountain Rescue Team(MRT).
Olivia Short, O’Keeffe’s sister, toldThe Telegraphthat as a result her brother sustained “severe” crush injuries.
O’Keeffe died at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle at 3 p.m. local time on Sunday, according to a Facebook post from O’Keeffe’s sister.
In the social media post, Short said it “became apparent that the injuries were severe and he would not be able to survive.”
Keswick Mountain Rescue Team
Loved ones also described O’Keeffe as a “devoted dad” to his three children, according toThe Telegraph.
The father of three was with four kids when he slipped inside the cave, per the report.
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Emergency crews were called after staff at the adventure park unsuccessfully attempted to free him, according to Keswick MRT, which later responded to the scene.
Members of the climbing wall staff “started dismantling sections of the wall to aid access to tunnels” as emergency crews hatched a rescue plan, Keswick MRT said in a statement released last month.
Keswick Mountain Rescue Team at Kong Adventure.Keswick Mountain Rescue Team
“On Saturday 22 April, a member of the public became stuck in the cave system at Kong Adventure,” a spokesperson for Kong Adventure Center said in a previous statement, according toThe Guardian. “Staff tried to help the man and followed all emergency procedures but it became apparent that outside assistance was needed.
“Fire crew, mountain rescue, cave rescue, paramedics and Kong staff then worked to extricate the casualty, who was taken to Carlisle hospital for further treatment,” the statement added.
Upon learning of his death, a spokesperson said they were “shocked and saddened,” perThe Telegraph.
“Our thoughts at this time are with the family, friends and everyone involved,” the spokesperson said.
An investigation into the incident is underway. “We have been notified of an incident that took place at the Kong Adventure Centre, Keswick, and are investigating the matter, as the regulating body,” a spokesperson for Cumberland Council toldSky News.
source: people.com
