Family Instructs Irwin Mitchell To Help Investigate Holiday Tragedy

The widow of a Wiltshire man who died whilst on holiday in the Dominican Republic is hoping that an upcoming inquest will provide ‘vital answers’ regarding her husband’s death.

Roy Fawcett was on an excursion to a coral island called Paradise Island when he was found face down in the water whilst snorkelling.
 
Despite attempts to resuscitate him, the 58-year-old was pronounced dead in hospital shortly afterwards.

Following Roy’s death his wife, Sue, of Swindon, instructed specialist international personal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the circumstances surrounding how her husband died.

Lesley Edwards is the expert international personal injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing Sue and the couple’s son Nathan, Sue’s daughter Sabrina, and son David.

Expert Opinion

“What should have been a dream holiday for Sue and Roy ended in the most tragic circumstances.

“Unsurprisingly Sue and the rest of her family have a number of questions about the events what happened in the lead up to Roy’s death. They are hoping that the inquest provides them with the vital answers they are seeking.

“If the inquest highlights any failings in the safety measures which were in place during the expedition, it is crucial new procedures are put in place to stop similar tragedies in the future.” Lesley Edwards - Senior Associate

Roy, a project manager, and Sue, a support worker, went to the Dominican Republic on 30 September, 2017.

They were among a party on an excursion on 12 October, 2017, when Roy was found in the water.

He was dragged onto the beach before being taken by boat to the mainland and then to hospital.
 
Sue said: “Our family can’t believe that Roy is no longer with us and each day we struggle to come to terms with what happened on the day he died.

“We know that the inquest is going to be an emotional time and bring back painful memories but we just hope our family gets the answers we deserve about the events of what happened on that day.”

An inquest is due to be held at Staffordshire Coroner’s Court in Cannock on 20 September.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling holiday illness and accident cases.