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A three-year-old girl tragically died after a ‘mini-tornado’ lifted the trampoline she was playing on and threw her a considerable distance, an inquest has been told.
Felicity Keepin was with her mother and brother in Longney, when the freak weather event caused the trampoline to fly over a hedge into a field on May 10.
Adam Nash, who lives nearby, said he was trimming the hedge when he heard what sounded “like a freight train”.
In his statement to the court, Mr Nash described witnessing a ‘mini tornado’, about seven or eight feet wide, that left a trail in the hedge.
Despite being airlifted to Bristol Children’s Hospital, young Felicity passed away on Saturday, May 17.
The trampoline, which measured 12 feet and included a safety net, had not been secured to the ground despite being purchased just a week before the incident.
Coroner Roland Wooderson referred to the event as “every parent’s worst nightmare” and concluded that Felicity’s death was accidental.
He also reminded parents of the importance of anchoring down trampolines, as reported by the Mirror.
Nevertheless, Mr Wooderson noted that even if the trampoline had been anchored, it might not have prevented the tragedy.
He highlighted that while trampoline manufacturers emphasise securing the equipment, many people remain unaware of this advice.
In his closing remarks, Mr Wooderson reiterated: “What happened was every parent’s worst nightmare.
“Completely out of the blue, a freak gust of wind took the trampoline high into the air and over the hedge. And I don’t use that expression ‘freak gust’ lightly,” he said.
“Felicity was under the careful supervision of her mother, but this was an extraordinary, tragic and unforeseen accident.
“The public really do need to know the danger associated with these trampolines.”
