A Nottinghamshire theme park is re-opening today after closing as a ‘mark of respect’ for a toddler who died suddenly at the weekend.
The three-year old boy was taken ill at Wheelgate on Sunday afternoon and was treated by the emergency services and an off-duty nurse who helped give first aid.
The park, which is near Farnsfield, was closed for several hours by police on Sunday and the park’s management said it would remain closed until Tuesday morning.
A statement on the park’s Facebook page read: “Management and staff at Wheelgate Park would like to extend their deepest sympathies to the family of a young child who passed away in hospital after having suddenly taken ill while visiting the park on Sunday 17th April.”
Hundreds of messages of sympathy from visitors and parents have been posted online.
Rachel Litman said: “Wheelgate is a place for fun, freedom and laughter… not tears of distress… not only does my heart go out to the family but to all the staff and visitors….”
Another user, Sarah Plackett said: “So sad and heart breaking can never imagine what his parents and family are feeling right now. This is devastating news.”
Nicola Smith commented: “My thoughts are with this poor family at this awful time. RIP little one.”
There is no suggestion that the toddler’s death is linked to the theme park, which is near Newark.
A Nottinghamshire Police spokesman said: “This is a sad case of a child falling ill, there were no injuries or an accident at the park, this is just a case of a medical episode.”
