Surgeon loses £14m snowmobile crash claim because of ‘s--- happens' text
Andrew Cannestra, 54, a neurosurgeon, suffered a brain haemorrhage and injured his leg when he crashed into a tree during a £23,000 holiday in Lapland with Pure McLaren Arctic Experience.
Mr Cannestra's snowmobile went off track after negotiating a forest turn, and he was knocked out for 30 minutes following the impact in February 2020.
He claimed his injuries left him unable to work to the same capacity. He launched a legal case against McLaren Automotive Events for the loss of his future earnings, which he claimed exceeded £14m.
Lawyers for McLaren Automotive denied blame, and insisted that on-the-spot guides did their utmost to ensure a safe trip, carefully briefing Mr Cannestra and Kaitlin Mealor, his then-partner.
Judge Andrew Ritchie dismissed the claim at London's High Court as he said that Mr Cannestra, an American from Florida, who was dubbed an 'adrenaline junkie' by Ms Mealor, had 'wanted more speed' and had caused the crash himself when he 'accidentally hit the gas instead of the brakes'.
The judge also pointed out that the surgeon had sent a post-accident text to McLaren staff, saying: 'No worries … s--- happens … I asked... if I owe you guys a snowmobile, or any other costs. Please let me know. It was my error and my responsibility.'
In another, he wrote: 'Thank you both so much for your help yesterday and thru my little self-destructive snowmobile behaviour. Please let me know anything I am responsible for.... transport.... a snowmobile..... etc. we had a great time and all is good!'
Mr Cannestra insisted his post-accident messages did not amount to an admission of fault.
Neil Block KC, for Mr Cannestra, had told London's High Court that both riders were 'absolute novices' and argued their guides should have done more to explain the detailed layout of their route through the forest.
The surgeon crashed after a pause in the journey during which his guide had changed the drive mode so that the doctor's snowmobile could hit higher speeds.
Lasting problems
The impact resulted in a brain haemorrhage and severe leg injuries, causing lasting problems with 'word-finding, comprehension, memory and fatigue' and worsening his previous hand tremor.
Mr Cannestra, who was earning around £1.8m per year, has had to give up brain surgery, although his lawyers say he 'continues to work to a limited extent.'
Dismissing his claim, the judge said: 'He was following a guide round a snowy track through trees, but he lost control, drove off the track and hit a tree. He was injured. At first, he thought it was all his own fault, apologised and offered to pay for the smashed-up snow mobile.
'At the ambulance in the car park, he told [the guide] that he accidentally pressed the throttle in the middle of turn two and blamed his glove.
'At hospital, he told a medic he accidentally hit the gas instead of the brakes. He considered that he himself was the cause of the accident. He did not blame [the guide] for rushing him or disappearing.
He said the guide was not dealing with a '17-year-old new car driver ' who had just passed their driving test, adding: 'He was guiding a mature, supercar and jet-ski aficionado, who had ridden confidently and wanted more speed.'
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Murder investigation latest as police remain on scene
A woman remains in custody as police continue their investigations into the death of a man. The Bolton News reported yesterday the emergency services were called to a street in Heaton on Thursday evening. Police have now launched a murder investigation, with a scene remaining in place today on Longden Street, with a back street cordoned off. The crime scene investigation team was on scene yesterday, this morning police remained on scene, with two cordons in place. A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police, yesterday, said: "At around 8.50pm we were called to reports of concern for the welfare of a man on Longden Street in Bolton. "Officers attended the scene and sadly a man in his 40s, was found dead. (Image: Phil Taylor) READ MORE: 'Best police force in country' - GMP recognised as most improved force GMP first force to 'end strip-searches for welfare' after 'hard-hitting report' Murder investigation launched after man found dead "A woman in her 40s has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning." Investigations are ongoing, added the police. This morning, police said the woman remains custody.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Police offer £20,000 reward for information over fatal stabbing
Police are offering £20,000 for any information into the fatal stabbing of a 20-year-old man in an east London park, a year after his death. Imran Maroof, 20, was killed on 27 July last year after reports of a fight in Plashet Park, Newham. Police officers arrived at the scene at 7.38pm to find the young man with stab injuries. Despite attempts by the emergency services to stabilise Mr Maroof, the Metropolitan Police said he was pronounced dead at the scene. A 16-year-old boy who could not be named for legal reasons was arrested the following month in connection with the murder, appearing later at Bexley Magistrates' Court, but he was subsequently released. A spokesperson for the force said the case against the teenager was then dropped. Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend from Specialist Crime South said Mr Maroof's murder had a 'profound impact' on the young man's family, adding that the Met 'remains committed' to finding his killer. 'Imran's family and friends continue to live with the trauma,' she said. 'One year has passed since this senseless killing, and the Met remains committed to bringing those who killed Imran to justice. 'If you were in the vicinity of Plashet Park on the day of the stabbing or know anything that could help us, we need you to contact us.' Police have released a photo of the victim, with independent charity Crimestoppers offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information. Alexa Loukas, London regional manager for Crimestoppers, said: 'We know that some people may be reluctant or worried to speak directly to the police with information, which is why Crimestoppers is here. 'We are completely independent and guarantee you will remain 100% anonymous when you contact us. 'We offer a safe way for anyone to come forward and tell us what they know but not who they are. 'We are unable to identify any phone numbers or IP addresses if you are reporting online. 'Imran's family deserve answers, and we hope this reward will encourage someone to do the right thing and speak up with any information that may help the police.' Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting crime reference 6541/27JUL. Alternatively, to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Four charged after biker injured in hit and run
Four people have been charged with causing grievous bodily harm after a biker was left seriously injured in a hit and run. The incident happened two months ago on Hareclive Road in Hartcliffe, south Bristol, at about 17:30 BST on 29 May. The 19-year-old man, who had been riding an off-road motorbike, required hospital treatment but has since been discharged. Harrison Dodds, 18, from Hengrove, Zak Goldsmith, 18, from Knowle, and two boys aged 16 and 17 who cannot be named because of their age, have now been charged with conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of a blade in a public place and handling stolen goods, Avon and Somerset Police said. More news stories for Bristol Watch the latest Points West Listen to the latest news for Bristol Three other people were arrested in connection with the incident, one remains on conditional bail while no further action will be taken against the other two, the force added. Det Insp Rob Blake said: "These charges mark an important milestone in our investigation, with all the defendants having been remanded into custody ahead of their first court appearance." He thanked members of the public who responded to a police appeal for information and urged them not to post material that could breach the defendants' right to a fair trial. Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Related internet links Avon and Somerset Police