Carl O'Keefe died eight days after being freed from the indoor caving section
A man who became trapped while caving at an indoor climbing wall in Keswick has died from his injuries.
Carl O’Keeffe was taken to hospital in Carlisle after the incident on 22 April, but died on Sunday.
The 49-year-old from Lancaster was in the caving section of Kong Adventure when he became stuck.
Keswick Mountain Rescue Team members were joined at the scene by ambulance paramedics, fire and rescue crews, Cumbria Ore Mines Rescue Unit and the Great North Air Ambulance. Staff and fellow climbers at the centre worked to dismantle sections of the wall to enable rescuers to reach the narrow tunnels where Mr O’Keeffe was wedged.
His family said he suffered crush injuries and after being freed was placed in an induced coma at Cumberland Infirmary, but never recovered. In a statement, they said: “He was a strong advocate for the neurodiverse community. He taught people to learn what adjustments they needed in life and to not only accept them but to live them.
“He was often seen in dark glasses and a fedora hat as he was photophobic. He had a brilliant mind and was in the process of applying to start an astrophysics PhD.”
Mr O’Keeffe’s sister Olivia Short said on Sunday: “At 3pm today I sat with Carl and said goodbye forever.
“He was my baby brother and over the last few years became my best friend.
“I loved him dearly and we were in contact daily doing word challenges and exchanging weird facts of nature. I also got to spend alternate weekends with him and his children.
“I have been with him since his accident in Keswick on Saturday 22 April. He was taken to Carlisle hospital intensive care with crush injuries. It became apparent that the injuries were severe and he would not be able to survive. He was then moved to a private room and I was able to stay with him so that he could die with some dignity.
“I’m broken-hearted. As are the rest of our family.”
Cumbria Constabulary said: “Cumbria police will now be investigating the circumstances of Mr O’Keeffe’s death on behalf of the coroner.”
