A climbing centre director has appeared in court following the death of a father who became trapped inside an indoor cave at a popular Cumbrian attraction. Carl O'Keeffe, aged 49 and from Lancaster, sustained serious injuries at Kong Adventure Centre in Keswick on Saturday, 22nd April 2023, and died eight days later at Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary.
Details of the Incident
Mr O'Keeffe, described as a devoted parent, was attending a family member's birthday party at the centre. He became trapped in a narrow tunnel for several hours before being freed by mountain rescue volunteers, caving experts, and firefighters. Climbing wall staff, assisted by visiting climbers, dismantled sections of the climbing wall to access the tunnels hidden behind wall panels.
In a heartfelt Facebook tribute, his sister Olivia Short expressed her love and grief, saying: 'He was my baby brother and over the last few years became my best friend. I'm broken-hearted, as are the rest of our family.' His family further described him as a strong advocate for the neurodiverse community and a brilliant mind who was applying for an astrophysics PhD.
Legal Proceedings
An inquest into Mr O'Keeffe's death was formally opened in May 2023 by a Cumbria coroner. Following an investigation by Cumbria Police and Cumberland Council, King Kong Climbing Centre Limited and its 63-year-old director Paul Cornforth face charges under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
The company is accused of failing to ensure the safety of persons not in its employment, including Mr O'Keeffe, during the indoor caving experience. Cornforth faces a separate charge alleging the offence was committed with his consent or connivance, or attributable to his neglect.
Cornforth appeared at Carlisle Crown Court dressed in a dark suit. During a 10-minute hearing, Judge Nicholas Barker noted an application to move the case out of Cumbria due to Cornforth's association with people working at the Carlisle court centre. The case was transferred to Newcastle Crown Court, with a provisional hearing date of 6th May.
Aftermath
Mr O'Keeffe's family reported that more than 50 people were involved in the rescue, including crews from Cumbria Fire and Rescue, police, Keswick Mountain Rescue, and the Great North Air Ambulance. A spokesperson for Kong Adventure Centre expressed shock and sadness, offering thoughts to the family.
The case continues as the legal process unfolds, with the community mourning the loss of a cherished father and advocate.
