First picture of man 'crushed by funfair ride' as tributes paid

Corrie Lee Stavers died in front of horrified families in a freak accident at the funfair.

A young man who was reportedly crushed by a funfair ride in a horror workplace accident has been named and pictured for the first time.

Corrie Lee Stavers, 28, died in front of horrified families in a freak accident at the Spanish City Summer Funfair in Whitley Bay on Saturday afternoon.

Emergency services including an air ambulance were called to the scene in a major response to the incident at the attraction in Tyne and Wear, the Mirror reports.

An off duty medic also supported at the scene. However, despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The fairground has been temporarily closed following the tragedy.

Northumbria Police confirmed that a worker had died on Saturday. A spokesperson said: "Shortly after 2.15pm today (Saturday), 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. His next of kin have been contacted and are being supported by specialist officers. Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this extremely difficult time."

They added: "We have contacted the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and are working with them to establish exactly what happened. The fair has been closed to the public and will remain closed until further notice. 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."

Emotional tributes have since flooded through on Facebook, with people naming the victim locally. One person, who is believed to be a family member, wrote: "It’s with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our beloved brother Corrie has passed away.

"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."

Another person commented: "My thoughts are with you and family. Most genuine lad I know, he ( will ) be a massive miss." A third added: "Thinking of you all, absolutely loved him. Was by far one of my best friends in the years I worked with him. He will be so missed."

Turners Funfairs, which runs Spanish City Funfair, issued a statement on Facebook on Sunday. A spokesperson said: "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.

"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."