Man dies after prank at Essex Topgolf Christmas party
Tragic prank at Topgolf; 22-year-old dies after fall
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A prank gone wrong led to a tragic death at a golf driving range, where a 22-year-old man lost his life. Conner Groom, along with his colleagues, attended a Christmas party at a Topgolf facility in Chigwell, Essex, in December 2021. What started as a festive outing ended in a serious injury, leading to his death later.
An inquest in May provided more details about the incident. The Chelmsford inquest revealed that the group had been drinking heavily after taking a coach from Weeley, near Clacton-on-Sea, to the venue on December 21. They arrived at 7pm, consumed drinks at the bar, and then moved to their second-floor booth an hour later.
The inquest heard the group was pushing each other into the safety net at the end of the golfing bays. Topgolf’s code of conduct strictly forbids jumping or pushing into the safety nets, emphasising its dangers. Other rules advise guests to keep away from the edge and stay behind a red line when someone is taking a shot.
Staff had warned the group several times to stop their antics. Groom had already been pushed into the netting twice and had done the same to a friend. Shortly after 10pm, when Groom stepped up for a shot, a friend decided to push him into the netting again. Ben Gardner ran from behind, causing Groom to fall over the safety net and drop about 12 feet. His leg got caught in the netting, making him land face-first on the ground.
Groom was taken to the Royal London Hospital that night but died on January 25, 2022. The cause of death was a hypoxic brain injury due to traumatic spinal cord injury.
Gardner was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm without intent, but charges were later dropped. The venue has since enhanced staff training to manage potential health risks better. Guests pushing others onto safety netting now face immediate removal.
Graham Jarvis, a senior environmental health officer for Epping Forest Council, informed the court that a new player safety manager role has been introduced at every UK Topgolf venue. This staff member is present during peak times, ensuring player safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to Conner Groom at Topgolf?
Conner Groom fell 12 feet after being pushed into a safety net, resulting in fatal injuries.
Were the individuals warned before the incident?
Yes, staff warned the group several times to stop ‘messing around’.
What caused Conner Groom’s death?
He died from a hypoxic brain injury due to a traumatic spinal cord injury.
What changes has Topgolf made since the incident?
Topgolf improved staff training and created a player safety manager role for busy times.
Were any charges filed against Ben Gardner?
Ben Gardner was arrested but charges of causing grievous bodily harm without intent were dropped.