Tragedy Strikes During Dubai Family Outing
A British father was killed in a horrific jetski crash in Dubai, with his partner and their four-month-old baby looking on helplessly from a nearby boat. Ali Watson, a 28-year-old marketing manager, died from blunt force chest wounds after being thrown into the air during a collision with an instructor.
Inquest Reveals Harrowing Details Five Years On
An inquest held in Exeter, Devon, nearly five years after the 2020 tragedy, heard that Mr Watson, originally from Coventry, had previous experience operating jet skis and was out on his own at the time. The other watercraft was driven by an instructor who had a female passenger. Coroner Luisa Nicholson was told that this passenger had jumped off moments before the impact because she was frightened by the speed.
Ali's partner, Charlotte Lescott, who was holding their infant child, witnessed the entire incident. "I was holding the baby on the boat and witnessed it," she said at the hearing. "My world stopped spinning the moment Ali died. I couldn't function. The world around you is still carrying on."
Aftermath and Lasting Impact
The couple had recently moved to the United Arab Emirates with their newborn, seeking a "better life". A post-mortem examination confirmed that Mr Watson, who had no alcohol or drugs in his system, died from traumatic head and chest injuries sustained in the collision.
Assistant Devon Coroner Luisa Nicholson concluded that his death was the result of an accident. The inquest was informed that suspended jail sentences and fines were given to those responsible for the crash.
In a tribute, Ali's mother described him as a "remarkable young man" whose death had left the family "utterly heartbroken". His stepfather said he possessed the "gift of the gab" and had strong family values. Following the tragedy, online fundraisers gathered thousands of pounds to support his family.
Charlotte Lescott later told the BBC her 'whole world came crashing down' and has since used social media platform TikTok to educate others about the importance of life insurance after she was forced to return to work during her maternity leave.
