A FUNFAIR worker who died in a tragic accident at work just days after posting a photo on one of the rides has been pictured for the first time.
Colleagues of “much-loved” Corrie Lee-Stavers said they were “heartbroken” following his shocking death on Saturday.
FacebookCorrie Lee-Stavers died after suffering serious head injuries while at the funfair on Saturday afternoon[/caption]
NNPPolice and emergency services at the Spanish City Summer Funfair in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside[/caption]
NCJ MEDIAColleagues said on Sunday they are ‘heartbroken’ that their ‘much-loved’ colleague had passed away[/caption]
NCJ MEDIAThe fairground was reportedly packed with families before emergency services descended on the site[/caption]
Corrie, who was in his 20s, was rushed to hospital from the Spanish City Summer Funfair in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, at around 2.15pm.
He was found to have “serious head injuries” after a “workplace accident” police said.
Despite the best efforts of medical staff to save his life, he was tragically declared dead a short time later.
Corrie’s sister, Ashley McCabe took to Facebook with a heartbreaking message on Saturday saying “our lives will never be the same”.
“It’s with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our beloved brother Corrie has passed away,” she said.
“He was tragically taken from us in an accident while working on a fairground ride. None of us were prepared for this, and the pain of losing him so suddenly is impossible to put into words.
“Our lives will never be the same without him, but his memory will live on in our hearts forever.
“We love you endlessly, Corrie and we miss you more than words can ever say. Your with our mam now rest in peace Corrie.”
His grandmother Christine said: “He had his ups and downs but we loved him.”
Summer City Funfairs also posted a statement to Facebook on Sunday confirming their “much loved colleague” had died.
“We are heartbroken to share that one of our much loved colleagues has sadly passed away following a tragic accident at Spanish City Funfair on Saturday 23rd August, 2025,” it read.
“Our team is like a family and we are all deeply affected by this loss.
“As a mark of respect, Spanish City Funfair will remain closed this weekend, while we take the time to grieve together.
“We kindly ask you for your understanding, and our thoughts and love are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”
A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “Shortly after 2.15pm yesterday, we received a report that a man had been injured in a workplace accident at Spanish City Summer Funfair in the Spanish City Plaza area of Whitley Bay in North Tyneside.
“Emergency services attended and a man in his 20s was found to have suffered serious head injuries.
“Despite the best efforts of medical staff who attended the scene, a short time later, the man was sadly declared dead.
A statement added: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this extremely difficult time.”
Cops say they have contacted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in order “to establish exactly what happened”.
An air ambulance was seen landing on the grass area next to the funfair, which was packed with families this afternoon.
North East Ambulance Service was in attendance alongside The Great North Air Ambulance Service as well as an off duty medic, who tried to save the man’s life.
A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service said: “We received a call at 2:13pm this afternoon to reports of a person seriously injured at a funfair ride near Spanish City at Whitley Bay.
“We dispatched a rapid response paramedic, a clinical team leader, an emergency ambulance crew and the air ambulance.
“An off duty medic was also supporting the patient.”
The annual Spanish City Summer Funfair opened on Thursday and was scheduled to run until Bank Holiday Monday.
The fair describes itself as packed with “lots of family fun”, including a number of fairground rides, arcades, and food outlets.
In an appeal for information, Northumbria Police said: “Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police by sending them a direct message on social media, or by using the live chat or report form functions on the Force’s website.
“Those who cannot contact the Force in those ways, please call 101.
“Please quote reference number: NP-20250823-0616.”
NNPThe fairground will remain closed this weekend ‘as a mark of respect’[/caption]
NNPLee-Stavers died in a ‘workplace accident’, police said[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
