A grandmother died from Legionnaires' disease after using a hot tub during a family birthday holiday on the Isle of Wight, a coroner's court has heard.
A Fatal Birthday Celebration
Paulette Crookes, 70, had chosen a rental property at Tapnell Farm specifically for its hot tub to celebrate her milestone birthday in February 2020. She was joined by ten relatives for the weekend getaway. According to evidence given at the inquest in Newport, the family used the tub multiple times during their stay.
Her daughter, Nicola Vaughan, 51, stated that her mother, originally from Rochford in Essex, spent a considerable amount of time in the hot tub on the evening of their arrival on February 7, 2020. However, concerns arose the following day. Mrs Vaughan told the hearing: 'There was a strange smell. It was a bit of a musty smell. Also, the water was a bit cloudy. It looked a bit off-colour.'
Worsening Conditions and Illness
By the third day, the family reported the water appeared even worse, with a stronger unpleasant odour and a slightly green tint. Mrs Crookes began to feel unwell and left the holiday early. Several other family members later fell ill, with grandchildren developing rashes.
The family subsequently emailed the cottage to report the illnesses, warning that the hot tub needed cleaning and noting that doctors had linked the rashes to a poorly maintained tub. They also testified that they did not witness any staff checking or testing the hot tub water during their entire stay.
After returning home, Mrs Crookes' health deteriorated rapidly. She was admitted to hospital on February 16, transferred to ICU, and placed in an induced coma on February 18. Doctors later confirmed she had contracted legionella. Her condition declined further, and she suffered a stroke and a heart attack before dying on March 8, 2020, after her breathing tubes were removed.
Inquest Investigations and Questions
Environmental Health officers visited Tapnell Farm on February 19 but found no positive legionella samples from the specific hot tub. However, other hot tubs on the site recorded poor readings. The local council later informed the family it would not pursue a prosecution.
Tapnell Farm's housekeeping manager, Joanna Lloyd, who was responsible for hot tub maintenance, told the inquest she had tested the water daily and did not recall any problems. Coroner Caroline Sumeray questioned whether these checks had actually been carried out. The jury was instructed to determine whether Mrs Crookes contracted the infection at the farm and if it contributed to her death.
The delayed inquest, which is expected to last two weeks, continues.
