Woman Dies from Legionella Infection After Holiday Hot Tub Use

A woman tragically died after contracting a legionella infection from a hot tub at a holiday cottage where she celebrated her 70th birthday. An inquest jury has ruled that Paulette Crookes, a retired butcher’s assistant, acquired the infection during her stay at Dairyman’s Cottage on the Isle of Wight in February 2020.

Mrs. Crookes, originally from Rochford in Essex and residing in Sandown, spent significant time in the hot tub with family during their getaway. Shortly after returning home, she fell ill, and her condition deteriorated rapidly. She ultimately passed away at St Mary’s Hospital in Newport, Isle of Wight, on March 8, 2020.

Inquest Findings Reveal Source of Infection

The inquest determined that Mrs. Crookes died from pneumonia caused directly by the legionella infection from the hot tub. Her family arrived at Tapnell Farm on February 7, 2020, using the hot tub multiple times over the weekend. According to her daughter, Nicola Vaughan, Mrs. Crookes spent considerable time in the hot tub on the first day. However, by the second day, the family noticed a “strange smell” and “cloudy, off-colour” water.

On the final day of their holiday, Mrs. Crookes reported feeling unwell and left the cottage early. Following their return home, several family members, including young grandchildren, developed rashes. The family later informed Tapnell Farm about the illnesses, emphasizing that doctors believed the rashes were linked to “poorly maintained hot tub” conditions.

Denise Scott, another daughter, highlighted during the inquest that she did not observe anyone checking or testing the hot tub water during their stay.

Health Authorities and Investigation Challenges

After Mrs. Crookes’ illness escalated, she was admitted to the hospital on February 16, where her condition worsened. She required intensive care and was placed in an induced coma as doctors struggled to manage her breathing. Days later, medical professionals confirmed she had contracted legionella. Despite treatment, she suffered a stroke and heart attack before passing away.

The inquest revealed that Environmental Health inspections at Tapnell Farm did not identify the strain of legionella that infected Mrs. Crookes. The investigation faced challenges due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following her death, the Crookes family expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation’s pace and outcome, leading to formal complaints lodged with the local council.

Chloe Baker, the accommodation manager at Tapnell Farm, testified that she did not review hot tub maintenance records, which were filed but not actively monitored. Coroner Caroline Sumeray pointed out the need for a more rigorous approach to risk assessment in such situations.

During the proceedings, it was noted that all hot tubs at Tapnell Farm were removed in March 2020 due to a combination of health, safety, and environmental concerns, as well as the pandemic.

Joanna Lloyd, responsible for hot tub maintenance, insisted that she tested the water daily and observed no issues. However, the coroner questioned her claims, stating that no one from the Crookes party had seen her during their visits. The jury was tasked with determining whether the legionella infection was indeed acquired from the hot tub during the family’s stay.

Ultimately, the jury concluded that Mrs. Crookes died from pneumonia linked to the legionella infection from the hot tub. Upon the inquest’s conclusion, Coroner Sumeray thanked the Crookes family for their “extraordinary patience and dignity” during a challenging investigation period, particularly given the unusual circumstances brought on by the pandemic.