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Inquest Finds Isle of Wight Holiday Hot Tub Caused Fatal Legionella Infection

The verdict ends a five-year wait for answers for relatives who reported cloudy, foul-smelling water at the rental.

Overview

  • An inquest jury this week found that Paulette Crookes died from pneumonia caused by legionella contracted from a hot tub at Tapnell Farm.
  • Mrs Crookes, 70, used the tub during a February 2020 family stay and died on March 8 after an induced coma, a stroke, and a heart attack.
  • Relatives said the water was cloudy and odorous and that no staff checked or tested the tub during the visit, a claim Tapnell Farm denies.
  • Several family members later became unwell, including grandchildren who developed rashes, and the family emailed the farm with doctors’ concerns about hot‑tub maintenance.
  • No enforcement or legal outcomes have been reported following the verdict, and Mrs Crookes’ daughter says she hopes the case raises awareness of legionella risks.