May 24th 2024.
It was a tragic incident that shook the community when 22-year-old Conner Groom passed away just five weeks after falling off a safety net at Topgolf in Chigwell, Essex. Conner had been out with his friends for a night of drinking and golfing at the popular driving range when the unfortunate accident occurred.
According to reports, Conner's friend had jokingly pushed him onto the safety net, thinking he would remain there safely. However, things took a turn for the worse when Conner fell headfirst over the edge of the net, resulting in a serious spinal injury. Despite being rushed to the hospital, his condition worsened, and he eventually succumbed to a hypoxic brain injury caused by the spinal injury.
The Essex Coroner's Court heard how Conner and his friends, who were on a Christmas work night out, had arrived at Topgolf in good spirits. They were having a great time in one of the golf booths, playfully pushing and nudging each other, trying to make each other fall onto the safety net. The staff had warned them to stop their pranks, but they soon resumed their antics.
In the wake of Conner's death, Topgolf has implemented several changes to its safety procedures. However, the court heard that these changes came too late for Conner, who had fallen from a height of 3.7 meters or just over 12 feet. Detective Inspector Lydia George, from Essex Police, testified that they had taken statements from multiple witnesses and reviewed CCTV footage of the incident.
DI George explained that a member of security had already warned the group about their behavior, but they continued with their pranks. When Conner's friend, who was not involved in the previous pushing incidents, ran up and pushed him, things took a tragic turn. DI George stated that the push was done in a joking manner, but the force of it caused Conner to fall over the net and suffer catastrophic injuries.
The court also heard how the police had consulted with Conner's family and the Crown Prosecution Service about taking further action against his friend for the push. However, it was ultimately decided not to pursue a manslaughter charge as there was no malicious intent, and the only intention was for Conner to land on the safety net.
A senior environmental health officer for Epping Forest Council, Graham Jarvis, conducted a review of Topgolf following Conner's death. He revealed that the venue had made significant changes to its safety policies, including appointing a player safety manager and adopting a zero-tolerance approach towards pushing people into the nets.
Coroner Lincoln Brookes offered his condolences to Conner's family and stated that there was no intention of harm by anyone in the group. He concluded that it was a terrible tragedy and recorded a verdict of misadventure. He also emphasized how the consumption of alcohol had impaired judgment and urged people to be careful when drinking and engaging in activities.
In the end, Conner's passing was a heartbreaking loss for his loved ones, and his presence will be deeply missed. This incident serves as a reminder to always be mindful of our actions, especially when alcohol is involved, and to prioritize safety over reckless fun.
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