Death of groundsman at Celtic Manor golf course 'tragic accident'

The death of a young groundsman who drowned at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport was an accident, an inquest jury has found.

Ollie Floyd, 20, from Ross-on-Wye, was clearing moss from the golf course at the resort in March 2015 when his weed-spraying buggy slipped into the pond.

His father Nicholas Rawlings, 46, desperately fought to lift his son's head above the water but Ollie's legs became trapped underneath the vehicle.

He tragically drowned before the buggy could be lifted off him.

James Davies, a vehicle engineering specialist, told the inquest a manual for the buggy warned it "should not be operated in excess of 14 degrees incline."

It also advised drivers to "take care" around embankments, saying "do not drive where you can tip or slip."

Coroner Wendy James told the jury although a manual for the model of buggy stated it should not be driven at an incline of more than 18 degrees, the operating manual which accompanied the vehicle in question had no such warning.

She also said Mr Rawlings had been driving on a part of the hole which he had not been instructed to spray.

After retiring, a jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

More: Young groundsman drowned at golf course in front of father, inquest hears

A statement from Ollie's parents, Hayley and Nicholas, thanked staff at the Celtic Manor for their attempts to free and resuscitate their son, and said his death had left them with a hole "that will never be filled."

They said: "Our lives have been shattered with the loss of Oliver. He was the most loveable, cheekiest and kindest son.

"We would like to thank all the emergency services and Newport A&E department for all that you did on that tragic day."