A WIDOW whose husband drowned on a holiday excursion is calling for lessons to be learned after receiving a six-figure payout.

Roy Fawcett, from Blunsdon St Andrew, Swindon, was pulled unresponsive from the sea during a snorkelling expedition in the Dominican Republic in October 2017.

Despite efforts to revive Roy, the 58-year-old was pronounced dead in the hospital the same day.

Following the dad-of-two’s death his wife Sue, aged 60, instructed specialist international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help investigate and establish answers.

An inquest into his death concluded that Roy, a project manager, died from “accidental drowning on a poorly monitored holiday excursion”.

Following the inquest, Sue’s legal team launched a legal case against holiday providers TUI, through which the couple booked the holiday and through which they believed they had booked the excursion.

Days before a trial in the High Court, the tour operator agreed to an undisclosed six-figure out-of-court settlement and denied liability.

Sue said that she and Roy only booked the trip under the impression it was provided by TUI. The tour operator argued the excursion didn’t form part of their package.

After receiving the settlement, Sue said: “While it’s more than five years since Roy’s death, the hurt and pain is as strong now as it was then.

“I lost my husband and best friend who I thought I would grow old with. There’s not a day that goes by when I don’t think of Roy and get upset that he’s no longer in our lives.

“We had so many hopes and plans for the future and it’s difficult not to think these were snatched away from us. Birthdays and family occasions are particularly difficult and just not the same without Roy by my side.

“I’d do anything to have Roy back but I know that’s not possible.

“Before signing up for anything I’d urge all holidaymakers to make sure they know who’s organising any trips and what safety measures are in place.

“I can’t turn the clock back but by speaking out I just hope that I can raise awareness of what we’ve been through to potentially help others.”

Swindon Advertiser: Roy Fawcett was found unresponsive and laying face down in the water after taking part in a snorkelling activity while on holiday. His widow Sue has settled with TUI after taking them to court over his death. Roy Fawcett was found unresponsive and laying face down in the water after taking part in a snorkelling activity while on holiday. His widow Sue has settled with TUI after taking them to court over his death. (Image: Sue Fawcett)

Roy and Sue booked the trip to Paradise Island two days before the end of their all-inclusive holiday in October 2017. 

While Sue stayed in the shallows, Roy went into deeper waters snorkelling with another group, including tourists but was later spotted face down and not moving.

Roy was helped back onto the beach where he was then taken by boat to the mainland, and then to the hospital.

With her five-year legal case now over, support worker Sue has joined her legal team in urging holidaymakers about the dangers of poorly planned holiday excursions.

Nicola Heathcote, the lawyer who represented Sue, said: "Sue and the rest of her family have faced an incredibly difficult few years trying to come to terms with the loss of Roy in such tragic circumstances.

“Understandably they’ve had a number of concerns about what happened to Roy with the inquest also finding areas of concern.

“While nothing can make up for Roy’s death and the hurt and pain Sue has endured, we’re pleased to have secured this settlement. We hope this provides Roy’s family with a sense of closure and allows them to access the specialist support they require to try and come to terms with what happened the best they can.

“Excursions can be a great way to enjoy a holiday but as in Roy’s case can end in devastation. Therefore, it’s vital that lessons are learned from what happened to Roy to improve holiday safety for others.”

In response to the settlement, a spokesperson from TUI said: "Our thoughts remain with Mrs Fawcett and her family.

"As this is a legal matter it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further."