High Wycombe Woman Airlifted To USA For Treatment But Later Died

The heartbroken family of a grandmother from High Wycombe who died after developing Legionnaires’ disease during a holiday in the Dominican Republic have called on specialist lawyers to help them gain answers regarding her death.

Lynn Stigwood, who was 70, fell ill with vomiting and diarrhoea during a 10-day stay at the Grand Sirenis resort in Punta Cana in August 2019. Shortly afterwards, she struggled to breathe and was admitted to a local hospital. She was placed in an induced coma and transferred to Florida for further treatment.

Sadly, she never came out of the coma and her son and daughter, Philip and Helen, flew from the UK to the US to say goodbye before she died on 29 September, 2019.

Two years on, her devastated family have instructed expert international personal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how the illness emerged and whether more could have been done to stop it.

The legal experts have secured answers and justice for thousands of holidaymakers through the years, while they have also acted for those affected by major Legionnaire’s disease outbreaks across the globe.

Expert Opinion

“This is a truly terrible case that demonstrates why illness problems at holiday resorts should never be downplayed.

Through our work, sadly we have seen on many occasions how Legionnaires’ disease can have a devastating impact and nothing highlights this more than Lynn’s death.

We’re now investigating how Lynn contracted her illness and are looking into her stay in the Dominican Republic

We’re determined to support Lynn’s family and help them gain the answers that they deserve regarding their loss and would like to hear from anyone affected at the resort. After leaving the hotel the family were notified by TUI UK Limited, their tour operator, that three other holidaymakers had tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease.

We would be interested to hear from any others who have experienced illness, and particularly respiratory symptoms, or tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease following stays at this resort in 2019 to assist us with our investigations.”
Jatinder Paul - Partner

Lynn was holidaying at the Grand Sirenis resort with her husband Melvyn, 72, daughter Helen and Helen’s husband, Phillip, as well as the couple’s children Ben aged 16 and Matilda aged 14.

Melvyn recalled: “Lynn started off by suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea, but things got progressively worse after that. She was breathless, lethargic and really struggling to walk. We knew she needed hospital treatment, but were stunned when she was placed in an induced coma. It was horrendous.”

Lynn, a housewife, was then transported from the Dominican Republic to a hospital in Florida. Helen, Phillip and their children returned to the UK. Lynn turned 70 while in the induced coma and her children flew from the UK to visit her before she died.

Melvyn, a retired coach driver, added: “We were told there were other cases of Legionnaires’ during our holiday, but you never think you could possibly be at risk. It was awful to see how the illness affected Lynn and the entire family remains heartbroken by our loss. She was hugely loved and I think about her every day.

“It was meant to be a very special family holiday, so we are all still devastated by what happened. I was also very disappointed with TUI who did not really do much to help us, as we only received contact from a rep in Florida after my wife had passed away.

“Lynn was the most loving and caring wife, mum and grandma anyone could wish for. Even two years on from her death it’s difficult to come to terms with what happened.

“The heartbreak and pain our family continues to feel is as strong now as it was when Lynn died.

“We know nothing will ever bring Lynn back, but the entire family just wants some answers about what happened.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling holiday illness cases