Widow sues for £1m after doctor died from slipping on hotel puddle
THE widow of a doctor who died after slipping in a puddle while on a romantic Caribbean break is suing for £1million.
Mark Tweedy, 66, met his accident after water apparently leaked from the air-con system into his suite at the five-star Couples Sans Souci hotel in Jamaica.
The retired GP, who practised in High Wycombe, Bucks, was taken to hospital and had surgery to pin his smashed thighbone. But complications led to heart failure two days later and death from multi-organ failure just a week after his fall.
His widow, Helen, is fighting for up to £1million damages from Travelbag Ltd, which handled their booking.
The adults-only Couples Sans Souci resort boasts stunning ocean views and its own spa nestled in the cliffs.
It offers five restaurants and seven bars, as well as a private “au naturel” beach and pool where guests are “prohibited” from wearing clothing in daytime.
Dr Tweedy and his wife were at the £1,000-a-night resort on a dream holiday, which turned into a nightmare in 2020.
Mrs Tweedy’s barrister Katherine Deal KC, in the High Court, told judge Master Lisa Sullivan the case will hinge on whether the air-con was properly maintained.
Tributes
Mrs Tweedy is suing on behalf of her husband’s estate and their family. She is also claiming compensation for his “pain and suffering” because, as a doctor, “he knew what was happening to him”.
Ms Deal said: “She alleges that [Travelbag] is liable to her for the consequences of the original accident, which include Dr Tweedy’s death.
“Travelbag accepts that it owed a duty under the holiday contract that reasonable skill and care would be exercised in the provision of services and facilities.”
But Ms Deal said the company denies liability and says “reasonable skill and care was exercised and the [air-con] unit was adequately inspected and maintained”.
Travelbag claims dad-of-four Dr Tweedy failed to look where he was going, alleging “contributory negligence”.
An issue at a future five-day trial will be Dr Tweedy’s life expectancy given his history of diabetes and hypertension.
Tributes from former colleagues, friends and patients after the GP’s death highlighted his compassion and calmness, with many patients recalling his habitual smile and air of kindness.