News, South East
Family HandoutA man with Down’s syndrome died after his carer jumped into a swimming pool and “landed on him”, an inquest has heard.
Michael Parker died on 12 June 2023 while on holiday in Spain with residents and staff members from The Grange care home in Bookham, Surrey, where he lived.
On Monday, Surrey Coroner’s Court was told that 43-year-old Mr Parker had been “dancing” and “jumping in and out” of the pool shortly before the incident happened.
His support worker, Harry Beckwith, explained how he had jumped into the water after Mr Parker and “somehow he had gone underneath me and I landed on him”.
Giving evidence at Surrey Coroner’s Court, Mr Beckwith said: “Michael was jumping in and out of the pool and doing his dancing, so I decided to jump in with him.”
He said that happened “a good few times” before the incident happened.
Mr Beckwith said that after Mr Parker jumped into the pool “to his left”, he jumped “to the right” in an attempt to miss him.
“Somehow he had gone underneath me and I landed on him,” he added.
Mr Beckwith said he then realised Mr Parker had gone “to the bottom” so went down to pick him up before taking him to the steps of the pool and asking a lifeguard for help.
He also told the inquest that the day before the incident, members of the group – including himself and Mr Parker – had been jumping into the pool and that nobody had told them they were not allowed to do so.
‘Devastated’
The support worker told the inquest he had not received any lifeguard training before the trip, but had completed some training regarding safety and taking care of clients in and around swimming pools.
He added that he had no specific training regarding individuals with Down’s syndrome, but did not have any difficulties communicating with Mr Parker.
In a statement read out on behalf of Mr Parker’s family, his brother described him as “full of life and energy” with an “innate sense of empathy”.
The statement said Mr Parker loved “rocking out on the dancefloor” and his song of choice was Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen.
“Michael’s death has devastated us all,” they added.
The inquest continues.
