What caused Paulette Crookes' death after her Isle of Wight holiday?

Paulette Crookes died from Legionnaires' disease, a severe lung infection caused by legionella bacteria, which she likely contracted from a hot tub at the holiday cottage.

Were other people affected by the hot tub at Tapnell Farm?

Yes, several family members who stayed at the cottage also fell ill after using the hot tub, reporting symptoms like rashes.

What were the findings of the investigation into the Tapnell Farm hot tub?

Environmental Health found no positive legionella results at the specific cottage's hot tub, but other hot tubs on the Tapnell Farm site showed poor readings.

Home / Health / Grandmother Dies After Contaminated Hot Tub Holiday

Grandmother Dies After Contaminated Hot Tub Holiday

4 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Woman died from Legionnaires' disease contracted from a hot tub.
Hot tub water was described as cloudy, smelly, and green.
Family reported illness and rashes to cottage owners after stay.

Grandmother Dies After Contaminated Hot Tub Holiday

A birthday getaway on the Isle of Wight ended in tragedy for Paulette Crookes, 70, who died in March 2020 from Legionnaires' disease. She had been celebrating her birthday with 10 relatives at a rented cottage featuring a hot tub, which the family used multiple times.

Concerns arose when the family noticed the hot tub water appeared cloudy, had a musty odor, and was discolored. Following their stay, several family members experienced illness and rashes, which doctors reportedly attributed to the poorly maintained hot tub. The family communicated their concerns to the cottage management.

Mrs. Crookes' condition worsened after returning home, leading to hospitalization and her eventual death. Although environmental health teams investigated, they found no positive results at the specific cottage, but other hot tubs on the site did record poor readings. An inquest is underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding her death.