A boy aged 12 who died in a horror accident at an indoor ski centre has been named as Louis Watkiss.
Louis, from Sutton Coldfield, Staffs, suffered fatal injuries at the busy SnowDome venue in Tamworth on Friday evening.
A witness said the boy was “halfway down the slope” when his sledge collided with a skier.
He died at the scene despite the efforts of medics.
Staffordshire Police today released the name of the schoolboy, whose family are being supported by specially-trained officers.
The force said in a statement: “Following Friday’s tragic incident at the Snow Dome in Tamworth, we can now confirm that the 12-year-old boy who lost his life has been named as Louis Watkiss from Sutton Coldfield.
“Police were called at 6.40pm on Friday to reports that a child had been seriously injured at the SnowDome.
“Officers attended the location, along with ambulance crews. Sadly, Louis, died of his injuries shortly afterwards.
“Louis’s family are being supported by specially-trained officers. We would ask everyone to respect the family's right to grieve in private during this extremely difficult time.
“Staffordshire Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances with support from the Health and Safety Executive.”
The owners of the SnowDome described the tragedy as “almost beyond belief”.
It remains closed today as officials work with police and safety bosses.
The company told customers on Sunday: “The SnowDome is to remain temporarily closed following the tragic death of a child on Friday evening.
“The directors and staff are deeply shocked by what happened, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this terrible time.
“An investigation is currently being carried out by the authorities, and we are giving it our full co-operation.”
Witnesses claimed on social media that the tragedy happened when Louis’s sled collided with a skier.
One parent wrote on Facebook: “My friend took his kids to the slope and say the boy was sledging when he somehow collided with a skier about halfway down the slope.
“It was apparently very busy and full of kids. Police were questioning all the staff who all looked in shock.”
Another parent wrote on Twitter: ”I was there, on the same run as it happened just behind me.
“Awful scenes, truly heartbreaking. Devastated doesn't do it justice. God knows how the parents and family feel, plus the party with him.
“So hard to imagine what the family are going through.”
Staffordshire Police said that a man was also treated for injuries.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews found a boy who had suffered very serious injuries.
“Staff worked on him providing advanced life support, but sadly, despite all of the efforts it was not possible to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”
