PICTURED: Dean Cariss, tragic funfair worker who died in South Shields
EXCLUSIVE – PICTURED: Funfair worker who died after suffering head injuries in ‘freak accident’ on a ride – as heartbroken family pay tribute to ‘lovely man with a heart of gold’
- Dean Cariss was mortally wounded while testing amusement park machinery
- The 52-year-old died from head injuries after the incident in South Shields
The funfair worker who died from head injuries in a ‘freak accident’ on a ride has been pictured as heartbroken family and friends paid tribute.
Dean Cariss, 52, was injured carrying out daily testing and maintenance at Ocean Beach Amusement Park in South Shields, Tyneside last month and died on April 1.
His sister Amanda, 50, told MailOnline: ‘He was a lovely man. He had a heart of gold – he would help anyone out.
‘It was just a freak accident – it’s just such a shock.
‘I want to remember him how he was – always smiling.
‘But when I saw him after the accident in hospital, it just didn’t look like my brother.
Dean Cariss, 52, was injured carrying out daily testing and maintenance at Ocean Beach Amusement Park in South Shields, Tyneside last month and died on April 1. Shortly before he died, he attended the wedding of his stepdaughter Sophie Lamb
His sister Amanda said Dean died in a ‘freak accident’ at the age of 52. Amanda said she also lost her sister when she was aged 52
‘I’m just trying to hang on to the good memories.’
Amanda said Dean had worked previously in factory jobs in the North East before taking up work at the funfair.
She added: ‘He was sweet. I’m his younger sister and he as always good to me. He helped me a lot over the years.
‘His girlfriend has children and grandchildren. His step-daughter Sophie got married a week before this happened. It seemed like he had a great time at the wedding.
‘It’s just shaken everybody that he’s not here anymore.
‘He was only 52, it’s no age.
‘He was my last family member. We lost our sister at 52 as well. It really hit me and Dean hard.
‘Now it’s just me on my own. It’s horrible.’
Shortly before he died, he attended the wedding of his stepdaughter Sophie Lamb, pictured
Ms Lamb said her children loved their ‘crazy funny loving granddad Dean’
Dean’s step-daughter Sophie Lamb also paid her own heartfelt tribute on Facebook, saying: ‘A million and one different emotions have gone through me over the past few weeks#.
‘Celebrated the best day of my life- which a week later was followed by the heart ache of my step dad been in a bad accident.’
She recalled the initial elation of seeing Dean appear to recover and looking at her, ‘blowing me kisses and holding my hand.’
She then admitted feeling guilty embarking on her honeymoon, though he looked to be on the mend, but added: ‘Then Saturday 1st April to get a phone call to say he had passed away.
‘My heart is broken.. since I was young he had been in my life he watched me meet all my milestones going into adult life and no matter what I ever done he was only ever there to support and help me.
Dean, pictured with grand children, died following an accident at an amusement park
An investigation into Mr Cariss’ death at the Ocean Beach Pleasure Park in South Shields continues
‘My kids adore him he’s there crazy funny loving grandad Dean and nothing can prepare me for having to tell them he’s gone
‘R.I.P Dean. I love you so much and I’ll forever treasure having you in my life ‘
Friend Cory Hedley on Facebook posted: ‘RIP Dean, what a great guy you were, you will be forever missed by many.’
Northumbria Police announced the death of a man and said a report has been made for the coroner.
The force and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation into the accident and have since determined that no criminal offences were committed.
Authorities issued their own condolences Dean’s loved ones, saying: ‘Our thoughts are with his family’.
Police, paramedics and the air ambulance were called to the amusement park in South Shields on Sunday, March 19 following reports of a workplace accident. The victim was rushed to Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle in critical condition.
Ocean Beach Management, which runs the amusement park, confirmed that a work-related incident had taken place during daily testing and maintenance. The company said the tragedy happened at ground level on an amusement ride before it was open to the public.
No other employees or members of the public were injured during the incident.
Authorities cordoned off the scene and carried out a range of inquiries into the incident. Northumbria Police and the HSE said today that officials are satisfied that no criminal offences were committed.
A police spokesman said: ‘A full investigation was carried out into a report that a man had been injured in a workplace accident at Ocean Beach Amusement Park in South Shields last month.
‘Officers worked alongside the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to carry out a range of enquiries into the incident and are satisfied that no criminal offences were committed. The man injured has since sadly died and all our thoughts are with his family. A report has been made for the coroner.’
A HSE spokesman added: ‘We offer our condolences to the family. This matter has been passed to the coroner.’
Dean’s funeral will be held on May 9 at Durham Crematorium.
