Two men die in two days near Cornwall leisure centre
Two men have died within two days close to a leisure centre in Cornwall.
A man who was a swimmer and member of Launceston Community Leisure Centre died on Sunday, before another man who was working nearby died on Tuesday.
The centre issued a statement today and said it was ‘shocked and saddened’ by the news.
A spokesperson said: ‘Many of you are already aware that there have been two occasions in recent days where the emergency services and air ambulance have attended the leisure centre in Coronation Park.
‘We can confirm that the first incident on Sunday, July 16, involved a leisure centre member who suffered a medical episode following his swim.
‘The lifeguards, along with a nurse who was using the facility at the time, were able to assist him until the emergency services arrived.
‘He was flown by Cornwall Air Ambulance to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.
‘We were shocked and saddened to hear the news that his condition deteriorated later that day and he passed away in hospital.
‘On Tuesday, July 18, leisure centre staff went to assist where a gentleman working in the park had been found collapsed and unresponsive.
‘The leisure centre’s AED defibrillator was used and lifeguards performed manual CPR, along with assistance from a member of the public, until the emergency services arrived.
‘Distressingly he was confirmed deceased by the emergency services attending the scene.
‘We would like to thank Cornwall Air Ambulance, Devon & Cornwall Police and South Western Ambulance Service for all their support, including checking on the welfare of the staff involved.
‘We would also like to say how proud we are of the emergency response from the centre staff and, in particular, the lifeguards who assisted directly with these two extremely distressing incidents.
‘Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the two gentlemen involved at this very difficult time.’
The statement posted on Facebook attracted a number of supportive comments for staff, praising their actions and efforts in trying to save the two men and deal with a difficult situation.
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