A climbing centre boss appeared in court today to face charges following the tragic death of a 'devoted dad' who became trapped inside an indoor cave.
Carl O'Keeffe, aged 49 and from Lancaster, died at Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary several days after being seriously injured at Kong Adventure in Keswick.
Mr O'Keeffe had been at the centre on Saturday, 22nd April, 2023, for the birthday party of a family member.
He was reported to have become trapped in a narrow tunnel for several hours before being released by mountain rescue volunteers, caving experts and firefighters.
Climbing wall staff, assisted by visiting climbers, dismantled sections of the climbing wall to aid access to tunnels hidden behind the wall panels.
In a tribute posted on Facebook, his sister, Olivia Short, said she 'loved him dearly'.
She also wrote: 'He was my baby brother and over the last few years became my best friend. I also got to spend alternate weekends with him and his children. I'm broken-hearted, as are the rest of our family.'
In another tribute, his family said: 'Carl was a devoted parent and he will leave a huge hole in their lives.
Carl O'Keeffe, aged 49 and from Lancaster, died at Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary several days after being seriously injured at Kong Adventure in Keswick
The experienced climber suffered crush injuries after he got stuck inside the cave for hours
'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 on to his arm.'
In a statement following the tragedy, a spokesperson for Kong Adventure Centre, said: 'All the staff at Kong Adventure are shocked and saddened to hear this terrible news. Our thoughts at this time are with the family, friends and everyone involved.'
An inquest into Mr O'Keeffe's death was formally opened in May, 2023, by a Cumbria coroner.
An investigation was launched by Cumbria police and Cumberland Council, which has brought a prosecution and two charges against King Kong Climbing Centre Limited and 63-year-old director Paul Cornforth.
The company faces one charge which alleges that it failed to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
This charge specifically alleges that the business, on or before 22nd April 2023, being an employer within the meaning of health and safety legislation, failed to conduct its undertaking for the indoor caving experience at Kong Adventure Centre.
It is alleged to have done so in such a way as to ensure, so far as was reasonably practicable, that persons not in its employment who may have been affected, including Mr O'Keeffe, were not exposed to risks to their health and safety.
Mr O'Keeffe became stuck whilst climbing at the popular Cumbria attraction on April 22. Tragically, he died eight days later
Dozens of emergency workers were scrambled in a desperate attempt to free the 49-year-old after he became trapped in a narrow 'cave' at the Kong Adventure centre in Keswick, Cumbria
Cornforth faces a separate charge of failing to discharge a duty brought as part of the same prosecution.
This alleges that the company committed an offence 'with the consent or connivance, or was attributable to the neglect of Paul Cornforth, an officer of King Kong Climbing Centre Limited'.
Cornforth was present at Carlisle Crown Court this afternoon.
During a 10-minute hearing, dressed in a smart dark coloured suit, he listened as discussions were held with barristers in the case — Alex Stein for the prosecution and Tom Gent for the defence.
No pleas were entered to the two charges after Judge Nicholas Barker said he was aware of an application to move the case out of Cumbria. This was due to Cornforth's association with people working at the Carlisle court centre.
Judge Barker formally directed that it should be moved to Newcastle Crown Court, where the court proceedings will continue. A date for the next hearing was provisionally set for next week.
The judge told Cornforth, who remains on unconditional bail: 'At the moment, prepare yourself for a hearing on the 6th May'.
'Health and safety legislation sets out duties which employers have towards employees and members of the public.'
At the time, Mr O'Keeffe's family said more than 50 people were involved in the rescue.
The incident was attended by six crews from Cumbria Fire and Rescue, police, Keswick Mountain Rescue, Cumbria Ore Mines Rescue Unit, Great North Air Ambulance and the Northwest Ambulance Service's Hazardous Area Response Team.
In a statement released shortly after the incident, a spokesperson for Cumberland Council said: 'We have been notified of an incident that took place at the Kong Adventure Centre, Keswick, and are investigating the matter, as the regulating body.'