Latest news with #snowmobilecrash
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Surgeon loses £14m snowmobile crash claim because of ‘s--- happens' text
A high-earning brain surgeon who sued McLaren for £14m after a snowmobile crash had his case thrown out as he texted company staff: 'S--- happens… if I owe you guys a snowmobile, let me know. It was my error.' 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
Daily Mail
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
'Adrenaline junkie' surgeon who sued McLaren for £14m over brain injuries he suffered in snowmobile crash loses case after texts emerged of him telling staff 'no worries... s*** happens'
An 'adrenaline junkie' brain surgeon who sued McLaren for £14m after a snowmobile crash has had his case thrown out after post-accident texts emerged of him telling company staff: 'No worries … s*** happens …[do] I owe you guys a snowmobile'. Andrew Cannestra suffered multiple injuries when the skidoo he was riding careered off a forest track in Lapland during a £23,000 luxury break he had taken with his then partner Kaitlin Mealor. The 54-year-old neurosurgeon, who specialises in spinal surgery, struck a tree after negotiating a forest turn and was out cold for 30 minutes following the impact in February 2020. He went on to sue McLaren Automotive Events Ltd, claiming the impact of the crash on his future earnings alone exceeds £14million. But lawyers for McLaren Automotive denied blame, insisting that on-the-spot guides did their utmost to ensure a safe skidoo trip, carefully briefing Mr Cannestra and his partner before they set off. Dismissing the claim, Mr Justice Richie said that Mr Cannestra - who was dubbed an 'adrenaline junkie' by his then partner - had 'wanted more speed' and had caused the crash himself when he 'accidentally hit the gas instead of the brakes'. The briefing he and his partner received before riding had been adequate, the judge said, adding: 'They were both on a McLaren ice driving holiday. Adrenaline cannot have been irrelevant to the experience of driving on ice in a superpowered car. There is nothing wrong in that. Life is for living and excitement and risk are part of that. 'He wanted more speed. He should have understood that being guided at higher speed would be more challenging and risky.' Andrew Cannestra suffered multiple injuries when the skidoo he was riding careered off a forest track in Lapland during a £23,000 luxury break he had taken with his then partner Kaitlin Mealor 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. 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 £1.8million per year, has had to give up brain surgery, although his lawyers say he 'continues to work to a limited extent.' His KC claimed the lead guide 'rode at an excessive speed for a novice rider to follow safely'. But Matthew Chapman KC - for McLaren Automotive - argued that Mr Cannestra had appeared a competent rider and fully in control of his snowmobile, adding that he had seemed 'eager' for his vehicle to be switched to a faster travel mode. In his ruling, the judge 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!' In his evidence, Mr Cannestra had insisted his post accident messages did not amount to an admission of fault, also taking issue with any image of him being a thrill-seeker. And although conceding he is a passionate classic car fan - having owned up to 33 at various times in the past - he explained that he never raced his vehicles, restricting himself to 'collecting and restoring them'. But dismissing his claim, the judge said: 'Whilst the claimant was in Lapland on an expensive four-day driving experience for McLaren road cars on ice, he chose to drive a snowmobile as part of the ancillary fun activities provided by McLaren. '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. 'A few months later, he instructed solicitors and by the end of July 2020 a pre-action protocol letter was written by his solicitors, to McLaren's solicitors, asserting negligence/breach of contract by the guide and claiming damages for personal injuries. 'After the accident, the claimant told the guide his glove had become stuck to the throttle. The claimant had sent a message offering to pay for the snowmobile because it was, using his words, "my error and my responsibility" and caused by "my little self destructive snowmobile behaviour". 'Negligence was denied. The cause of the crash was pleaded as the claimant accidentally accelerating whilst negotiating [a turn] instead of braking. 'I did not find Kaitlin Mealor's evidence to be of much assistance. She appeared to me to be playing a wing person role to support her ex-partner. 'I was not persuaded by her denial of the the accident about the claimant being an adrenaline junkie who was always getting into accidents. 'This conversation may be put into context. The claimant had bought two McLaren road cars, which are up the top of the list of the most powerful vehicles on roads worldwide. 'They were both on a McLaren ice driving holiday. Adrenaline cannot have been irrelevant to the experience of driving on ice in a superpowered car. There is nothing wrong in that. Life is for living and excitement and risk are part of that. 'He wanted more speed. He should have understood that being guided at higher speed would be more challenging and risky. I consider that he did understand this. He also understood that they would go through trees. 'I consider that about five minutes was an appropriate length for a briefing for just two customers. I find that the briefing complied with local Finnish standards. '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 reached turn two and turned through 25 degrees, then squeezed or pushed the throttle by mistake with his right hand and shot straight forwards into a tree. In whatever mode, that accidental throttle use would have caused him to go straight off the track.' 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. The claimant was prepared to leave his partner behind to increase his own enjoyment. 'The claim will be dismissed and judgment will be entered for the defendant,' the judge concluded.
The Independent
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Brain surgeon loses £14m snowmobile holiday crash claim after text messages read in court
An "adrenaline junkie" brain surgeon who sued McLaren for £14m after a snowmobile crash has had his case thrown out after post-accident texts emerged of him telling company staff 'No worries … sh*t happens …[do] I owe you guys a snowmobile". High-flying neurosurgeon Andrew Cannestra suffered multiple injuries when the skidoo he was riding careered off a forest track in Lapland during a £23,000 luxury break booked through the Pure McLaren Arctic Experience for him and his then partner, Kaitlin Mealor. The 54-year-old medic, who specialises in spinal surgery, struck a tree after negotiating a forest turn and was out cold for 30 minutes following the impact in February 2020. He went on to sue McLaren Automotive Events Ltd, claiming the impact of the crash on his future earnings alone exceeds £14m. But lawyers for McLaren Automotive denied blame, insisting that on-the-spot guides did their utmost to ensure a safe skidoo trip, carefully briefing Mr Cannestra and his partner before they set off. Dismissing the claim, Mr Justice Richie said that Mr Cannestra - who was dubbed an "adrenaline junkie" by his then partner - had "wanted more speed" and had caused the crash himself when he "accidentally hit the gas instead of the brakes". The briefing he and his partner received before riding had been adequate, the judge said, adding: "They were both on a McLaren ice driving holiday. Adrenaline cannot have been irrelevant to the experience of driving on ice in a superpowered car. There is nothing wrong in that. Life is for living and excitement and risk are part of that. "He wanted more speed. He should have understood that being guided at higher speed would be more challenging and risky." 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. 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.' Mr Cannestra's KC claimed the lead guide 'rode at an excessive speed for a novice rider to follow safely'. But Matthew Chapman KC - for McLaren Automotive - argued that Mr Cannestra had appeared a competent rider and fully in control of his snowmobile, adding that he had seemed 'eager' for his vehicle to be switched to a faster travel mode. In his ruling, the judge pointed out that the surgeon had sent a post-accident text to McLaren staff, saying: 'No worries … sh*t 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!' In his evidence, Mr Cannestra had insisted his post accident messages did not amount to an admission of fault, also taking issue with any image of him being a thrill-seeker. And although conceding he is a passionate classic car fan - having owned up to 33 at various times in the past - he explained that he never raced his vehicles, restricting himself to 'collecting and restoring them'. But dismissing his claim, the judge said: "Whilst the claimant was in Lapland on an expensive four-day driving experience for McLaren road cars on ice, he chose to drive a snowmobile as part of the ancillary fun activities provided by McLaren. "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. "A few months later, he instructed solicitors and by the end of July 2020 a pre-action protocol letter was written by his solicitors, to McLaren's solicitors, asserting negligence/breach of contract by the guide and claiming damages for personal injuries. "After the accident, the claimant told the guide his glove had become stuck to the throttle. The claimant had sent a message offering to pay for the snowmobile because it was, using his words, 'my error and my responsibility' and caused by 'my little self destructive snowmobile behaviour.' "Negligence was denied. The cause of the crash was pleaded as the claimant accidentally accelerating whilst negotiating [a turn] instead of braking. "I did not find Kaitlin Mealor's evidence to be of much assistance. She appeared to me to be playing a wing person role to support her ex-partner. "I was not persuaded by her denial of the the accident about the claimant being an adrenaline junkie who was always getting into accidents. "This conversation may be put into context. The claimant had bought two McLaren road cars, which are up the top of the list of the most powerful vehicles on roads worldwide. "They were both on a McLaren ice driving holiday. Adrenaline cannot have been irrelevant to the experience of driving on ice in a superpowered car. There is nothing wrong in that. Life is for living and excitement and risk are part of that. "He wanted more speed. He should have understood that being guided at higher speed would be more challenging and risky. I consider that he did understand this. He also understood that they would go through trees. "I consider that about five minutes was an appropriate length for a briefing for just two customers. I find that the briefing complied with local Finnish standards. "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 reached turn two and turned through 25 degrees, then squeezed or pushed the throttle by mistake with his right hand and shot straight forwards into a tree. In whatever mode, that accidental throttle use would have caused him to go straight off the track." 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. The claimant was prepared to leave his partner behind to increase his own enjoyment. "The claim will be dismissed and judgment will be entered for the defendant," the judge concluded.
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Top surgeon suing McLaren for £14m over snowmobile crash that left him with brain injury was 'adrenaline junkie eager' to go faster, court hears
A top brain surgeon suing for more than £14 million after a snowmobile crash left him with a brain injury was a thrill-seeking 'adrenaline junkie' who brought disaster on himself by being 'eager' to go faster, a court has heard. High-flying neurosurgeon Andrew Cannestra suffered multiple injuries when the skidoo he was riding careered off a forest track in Lapland during a £23,000 luxury break booked through the Pure McLaren Arctic Experience for him and his then partner, Kaitlin Mealor. The 54-year-old medic, who specialises in spinal surgery, struck a tree after negotiating an awkward forest turn and was out cold for 30 minutes following the impact. He is now suing McLaren Automotive Events Ltd over the devastating effects of his crash, which also left him with shaking hands, claiming the impact on his future earnings alone exceeds £14 million. Part of his claim focuses on the alleged effect of his injuries on a pre-existing but controlled 'benign tremor' which Dr Cannestra says has been exacerbated by his injuries, massively curtailing his ability to work. But lawyers for McLaren Automotive are vigorously disputing blame, as well as the amount of compensation claimed, insisting that on-the-spot guides did their utmost to ensure a safe skidoo trip, carefully briefing Dr Cannestra and his partner before they set off. The company also alleges contributory negligence by Mr Cannestra in failing to take sufficient care for his own safety, arguing in court he was 'eager' to go faster and was described by his then-partner as an 'adrenaline junkie'. Ms Mealor told the judge she had never used that term to describe her former boyfriend. It argues that the fact the fateful 'snow safari' occurred after power car enthusiast Mr Cannestra had taken part in the trip's main activity, involving riding a McLaren supercar on ice tracks. Defence barrister, Matthew Chapman KC, said: 'There is a certain irreducible risk associated with taking part in a snowmobile safari on a snowy track - even a track as innocuous and well-prepared as the index track. 'If this activity did not present any such risk then it's unlikely that it would be an attractive option for a person who enjoys driving powerful super cars on ice.' On top of that, quizzing Mr Cannestra's former partner, Ms Mealor, in the witness box he suggested she herself had referred to him after the accident as an 'adrenaline junky' - although in her evidence Ms Mealor insisted she never used the term. Neil Block KC - for Dr Cannestra - has 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 was injured after a pause in the journey, when Mr Cannestra went ahead with the lead guide, who claimed he was 'riding really well'. But his KC said that before the pair set off again, his guide had changed the drive mode on the skidoo so that the snowmobile could hit higher speeds. Describing the accident, he told the judge: '(The guide) admits that he was driving at speeds of up to 60 km per hour on the straight sections. Mr Cannestra was finding it difficult to keep up. 'He had no prior knowledge of the layout of the track and tried to keep up with his guide. Within a few minutes of setting off - at about sunset - the snowmobiles approached a series of left-hand bends separated by a straight of approximately 32 metres. 'Mr Cannestra had lost sight of (his guide). He was unaware of the track layout, and as he entered the second bend he lost control of his snowmobile and veered off the track into deep snow and collided with a tree.' 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 £1.6 million per year, has had to give up brain surgery, although his lawyers say he 'continues to work to a limited extent'. Explaining the basis of his case, Mr Cannestra's KC claimed the lead guide should have kept to a 'reasonable speed' to ensure his novice rider could see him clearly and navigate bends on the forest trail. 'Alternatively, if it was intended that the guide would be beyond the field of vision of the guests on the approach to tight turns and other potential hazards, then there should have been flags, signs and other warnings.' Overall, the guide 'rode at an excessive speed for a novice rider to follow safely', argued Mr Block. But Mr Chapman - for McLaren Automotive - argued that Mr Cannestra had appeared a competent rider to the guide and fully in control of his snowmobile, adding that he had seemed 'eager' for his vehicle to be switched to a faster travel mode. Mr Cannestra's accident occurred because he took the bend too fast, he added. 'Turn three was a left hand turn on flat terrain and could safely be negotiated at 20kmh, but could not be safely negotiated at 54kmh or more,' he explained. 'Whatever his precise speed on approach, he likely lost control because he exceeded the speed at which the turn could safely be negotiated. 'The claimant's speed on his snowmobile was a matter which was wholly within his control and over which he had - on his own evidence - for a period in excess of ten minutes exercised control through more than a dozen turns and without mishap.' Describing Mr Cannestra as a 'power car enthusiast and jet skier,' he argued that the surgeon was well aware of the risks involved and allegedly sent text messages to McLaren staff after leaving hospital suggesting that he understood the hazards and that the accident was 'his fault'. But in his evidence, Mr Cannestra insists his messages did not amount to an admission of fault, also taking issue with any image of him being a thrill-seeker. And although conceding he is a passionate classic car fan - having owned up to 33 at various times in the past - he explained that he never raced his vehicles, restricting himself to 'collecting and restoring them'. 'I have taken part in some track driving events,' he stated, but added: 'These displays, however, have always been in the form of an exhibition rather than any actual racing - for example during these presentations, there is no overtaking involved. 'Whilst I have experience in driving classic cars, I had no experience of ever riding a snowmobile before, neither did Kaitlin. 'My only experience of any winter sports activities had been skiing and snowboarding. Kaitlin and I are were not traditionally really the adventure holiday type. 'We were usually the type of people who preferred to attend and watch events, rather than take part in them. 'For example, we previously visited the running of the bulls in Pamplona, but only as spectators on a balcony rather than taking part in the actual run. 'The guides simply did not give me enough instruction on how to use the snowmobile, particularly as I was a beginner.' His former partner, Ms Mealor, in her evidence said that while riding behind Mr Cannestra she was intent on taking things 'slow' because she 'felt that I would not come to danger if I went slow'. And asked by Mr Chapman whether she had referred to Mr Cannestra as an 'adrenaline junky' after the crash, Ms Mealor insisted she had 'never used that term.' She added: 'I think I was in shock as well so I just said "I'm sure he will be ok," and I didn't use the term "he's an adrenaline junky who gets in scrapes all the time" - because he doesn't.' The judge will give his ruling on the case at a later date.
