Man rescued from Kong Adventure in Keswick dies from his injuries

Carl O’Keeffe, 49, from Lancaster, was rescued from the Kong Adventure Centre in Keswick, on Saturday, April 22, after reportedly becoming stuck in the centre's 'cave system' for between four-and-a-half to five hours.

His family announced that the 'devoted' father-of-three died at 3pm on Sunday, April 30.

A tribute to Mr O’Keeffe from his family said: "Carl was a devoted parent and he will leave a huge hole in their lives.

"He was a strong advocate for the neurodiverse community. He taught people to learn what adjustments they needed in life and to not only accept them but to live them.

"He was often seen in dark glasses and a fedora hat as he was photophobic. He had a brilliant mind and was in the process of applying to start an astrophysics PHD.

"He was fascinated by solar storms and had been predicting the one that happened this week while he slept. He spent years having the NASA Hubble photos tattooed onto his arm."

Posting on Facebook, Mr O’Keeffe's sister, Olivia Short said: “At 3pm today I sat with Carl and said good bye forever.

“He was my baby brother and over the last few years became my best friend.

“I loved him dearly and we were in contact daily doing word challenges and exchanging weird facts of nature. I also got to spend alternate weekends with him and his children.

Much-loved Carl O'Keeffe, who has died aged 49 (Image: Family picture)

“I have been with him since his accident in Keswick on Saturday, April 22. He was taken to Carlisle hospital intensive care with crush injuries.

“It became apparent that the injuries were severe and he would not be able to survive.  He was then moved to a private room and I was able to stay with him so that he could die with some dignity. 

“I’m broken hearted. As are the rest of our family.”

A multi-agency rescue mission took place last Saturday with members from the ambulance service, fire crews, cave rescue, and mountain rescue teams called out to the casualty within the simulated cave experience at the popular tourist attraction.

Fire crews outside Kong Adventure Centre in Keswick (Image: Submitted)

A statement released by Kong Adventure, said: "On Saturday, April 22, a member of the public became stuck in the cave system at Kong Adventure.

"Staff tried to help the man and followed all emergency procedures but it became apparent that outside assistance was needed.

"Fire crew, mountain rescue, cave rescue, paramedics and Kong staff then worked to extricate the casualty who was taken to Carlisle hospital for further treatment.”