Tamworth SnowDome fined £100k over death of boy
Louis Watkiss, 12, died after an incident in September 2021
Last updated 26th Feb 2025
Tamworth SnowDome has been fined £100,000 following the death of a 12-year-old boy in an accident on a ski-slope.
Louis Watkiss from Sutton Coldfield died at the centre on 24 September 2021, after being injured during a tobogganing party with friends.
He collided with a staff member who was carrying out an inspection of the slope, and died from severe head injuries.
SnowDome Limited was charged with breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act.
The firm pleaded guilty at Telford Magistrates Court and has today (26 February) been fined, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £2,000 and costs of £14,534.20.
Following his death, Louis' family paid tribute to him, in which they said: “Louis was a son, a brother, a grandson, a cousin and a friend. Louis was a studious pupil who enjoyed learning showing immense curiosity about the world around him.
"Louis supported Chelsea and England football clubs and followed England Cricket and Birmingham Bears, regularly watching both sports. Along with cheering on AJ and Tyson Fury for their big heavyweight fights.
“We are so thankful George had five happy years with his brother, and he will hold dear the memory of Louis' stoic personality. We are eternally grateful for the honour of knowing Louis and the pleasure of raising him."
Louis's parents have campaigned to make helmets mandatory for children at indoor ski slopes.
Nathan Cook, senior enforcement lawyer for HSE said:
“Louis went to a friend’s birthday party at the Snowdome and should have returned home safely to his family after an enjoyable occasion.
“Tragically, due to the failings of Snowdome Limited, this did not happen. Louis’s death could have been prevented if the company had adequately assessed and controlled the risks associated with tobogganing activities.
“This should act as a reminder that venues and employers must ensure suitable and sufficient risk assessments are in place and employees are provided with sufficient safe systems of work, information, instructions, training, and supervision.”
Nathan Cook continued:
“Our risk assessment guidance may be more commonly used for workplaces such as factories and construction sites, but the same principles apply for busy venues like indoor ski slopes. The possible risks to people from equipment and the movement of visitors and staff needs to be thought through.
“Our thoughts remain with Louis’ family.”
The SnowDome said helmets are now worn for every activity on offer at its centres.