Center Parcs worker killed in 'tragic accident' named as 'fantastic grandmother'

A Center Parcs staff member who died in a “tragic accident” after being hit by a car was the “backbone of our family” according to tributes.

Grandmother Penny Bulpitt, who is believed to have been in her 60s, was hit by a car and rushed to hospital but sadly died. The incident happened in Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire, on Friday night. In an online tribute, her family said: “It’s such a horrible shock and heartbreak to us as Nan is the backbone of our family.” Ms Bulpitt's sister-in-law Anna Northwood also reportedly said: “She was a fantastic mum and grandmother. We’ll certainly miss her.”

Center Parcs said it was "deeply saddened" and it was now "working closely with the relevant authorities". An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson told The Mirror that they were called to reports of an "unconscious person" on Fordfield Road, Millbrook, on September 22. They said the person was taken by air ambulance to Addenbrooke's Hospital.

A spokesperson for Center Parcs said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of our team at Woburn Forest, our thoughts are with her family, friends and her colleagues at this time. We are in contact with her family, and we are offering support to them and any of our colleagues at Woburn Forest who have been affected. Center Parcs is working closely with all the relevant authorities following this incident."

Ms Bulpitt, a supervisor at the resort, is believed to have been in the parking area when the accident happened. Cars are not allowed on roads in the resort except for going to and from accommodation car parks on Mondays and Fridays.

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Center Parcs says of its resort at Woburn Forest: "Just an hour from London in beautiful rural Bedfordshire, Woburn Forest is one of our newest and most modern villages. You’ll find a range of activities, restaurants and accommodation types within a compact 300-acre site that’s ideal for young families."

A spokesman for East of England Ambulance Service told The Mirror: "We were called at 12.17pm on September 22 with reports of a person who was unconscious in Fordfield Road, Millbrook. We sent East Anglian Air Ambulance and an ambulance. A woman was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital by air ambulance."

The Sun has reported that the staff member's death was as a result of a "tragic accident". Meanwhile, in June a tourist has lost her life at Center Parcs Elveden Forest resort in what police called at the time an "unexplained death" following a medical emergency. Paramedics rushed to the spot in Suffolk but the woman, in her 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Suffolk Police said the woman's death was being treated as unexplained and officers said they did not believe there are any suspicious circumstances. A Center Parcs spokesperson said over that incident: "We are deeply saddened by the news of a guest passing away at Center Parcs Elveden Forest. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this distressing time. We are continuing to offer our support to her family and also to our colleagues who assisted emergency services."