Corporate manslaughter charges issued after wheelchair users died when boat capsized

Corporate manslaughter charges have been brought after two wheelchair users were killed when the boat they were on capsized in Devon.

Burdon Grange Care Home Limited and South West Lakes Trust have both been charged with two counts of corporate manslaughter each after Alison Tilsley and Alex Wood were killed during the incident on Roadford Lake Reservoir in west Devon in June 2022, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

Mr Wood, 43, and Ms Tilsley, 63, both from Devon, were part of a group on a day trip from the care home.

Another woman in her 50s was seriously injured during the incident.

The care home has also been charged with an offence under section two of the Health and Safety at Work Act, relating to an alleged failure to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees.

South West Lakes Trust also faces a charge under section three of the Health and Safety at Work Act, relating to an alleged failure to ensure that persons not in its employment were not exposed to risks to their health or safety.

Malcolm McHaffie, head of the special crime division at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.

"We have worked carefully with Devon and Cornwall Police as they carried out their investigation.

"Our thoughts remain with the families of Alison Tilsley and Alex Wood at this time."

The first hearing is set to take place at Bristol Magistrates' Court on 11 November 2026.

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Devon and Cornwall Police said the charges follow "a lengthy and complex investigation" led by the force, the Health and Safety Executive, and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.

A spokeswoman for Burdon Grange Care Home Limited said: "Our thoughts remain with the families of the two residents who died and with everyone affected by the tragedy.

"We remain committed to providing safe, compassionate and high-quality care for our residents and to supporting their families and our team."

She added that the company would not comment further given that legal proceedings are active.

(c) Sky News 2026: Corporate manslaughter charges issued after wheelchair users died when boat capsized