An inquest revealed the tragic events leading to the deaths of a father and his 10-year-old daughter in a caravan fire at a holiday park. The 48-year-old and his daughter perished in a blaze at Golden Beach Holiday Park in Lincolnshire in April. The fire that claimed their lives has been determined as accidental and undetermined.
Lee Baker and daughter Esme, residents of Retford, were vacationing in Ingoldmells when a fire erupted in their caravan around 3 am on Saturday, April 5. Emergency services responded to the scene before 4 am. Police and Fire & Rescue investigators worked tirelessly to ascertain the cause of the fire and identify the victims. The tragic news deeply impacted the community, with loved ones remembering Lee as a devoted father.
Inquests conducted at Lincoln Coroner’s Court revealed that Lee had purchased the caravan in November 2024, and the duo had been spending weekends there with more planned for the summer. Coroner Lindsey Tasker emphasized during the reopened inquest that each death inquiry would have its own distinct conclusion.
Reports from Dr. Steven Morley indicated that Lee had an alcohol level of 172mg per 100ml of blood, surpassing the legal driving limit of 80mg. However, it was noted that Lee did not exhibit signs of intoxication at the time. Post-mortem examinations by Dr. Michael Biggs concluded that both Lee and Esme died from inhalation of combustion byproducts.
Fire investigation officer Simon Cartwright stated that the fire was accidental, but the exact cause remained undetermined due to two possible scenarios. The blaze, originating at the rear of the caravan, resulted in severe damage, hindering a definitive determination. The investigation suggested a potential link to a malfunctioning electronic device, like the tablet found in Esme’s room.
Detective Inspector Kara Nicholson confirmed that the fire was not intentional and ruled out third-party involvement, electrical faults, or gas leaks. Lee’s mother described him as a beloved figure who cherished his daughter. Coroner Tasker concluded that both deaths were accidental, caused by inhalation of combustion byproducts, as the exact fire cause could not be definitively established despite extensive investigations.