THE heartbroken family of a 12-year-old boy who was killed in a Snow Dome ski smash have claimed he "didn't die on his terms".
Louis Watkiss died when his sledge collided with a skier during a friend's birthday party at indoor ski centre SnowDome in Tamworth, Staffordshire on September 24.
His family have now launched a fundraising appeal to help cover the cost of an investigation as they claim their son had "no chance to fight".
After the crash, the 12-year-old was treated by first-aiders and paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service.
Crews from two air ambulances also attended but, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save him.
Louis' family have launched their GoFundMe page to "investigate the circumstances surrounding his death".
In a heartfelt appeal, the Watkiss family said: “Louis Watkiss, 12-years-old, passed away on September 24, 2021, at a friend's birthday party due to injuries sustained in an incident at the Snowdome, Tamworth.
“He never had a chance to fight for his life. He did not die on his terms.
“Our son, Louis, died as a young boy. He achieved his goal of making us proud and his dream of being proud of himself. Our lives will never be the same.
“We want to thank all of the emergency services and Snowdome staff who tried incredibly hard to save our son's life.”
Their statement continued: “We have decided to set up this GoFundMe page because Louis lost his life to a tragic incident that should never have occurred.
“We are asking for support to assist our family's present and future needs to continue the investigation surrounding the circumstances of his death.
“In the future, we want to campaign to change or lobby for new laws that ensure our children are safe when taking part in snow activities.”
The appeal has already raised around £3,000 of its £10,000 target.
Louis' family called him a "son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin and a friend".
“We are so thankful Louis' younger brother had five happy years with Louis, and he will hold dear the memory of Louis' stoic personality.
“Louis was a studious pupil who enjoyed learning showing immense curiosity about the world around him."
Louis played the Saxophone and was involved in two jazz ensembles, theBirmingham Symphony Hall and Birmingham Conservatoire.
Police were scrambled to the Snow Dome at around 6.40pm on September 24 after reports that a child was hurt.
Paramedics rushed to the scene but despite their efforts the boy was pronounced dead.
It is understood the youngster collided with a skier while sledging down one of the ski slopes during a "freak accident" at the popular attraction.
The family are urging anyone who witnessed the incident who has yet to come forward to contact the police on 101 or via social media quoting reference 665 of 24 September.
The incident is currently being investigated by Staffordshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive.
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