A lifeguard has collapsed and died only days before Christmas, a leisure centre has said.
The 'long-serving" and "well-loved" staff member tragically died at the centre in Blackburn, Lancashire, on Wednesday night.
The sudden tragedy has left colleagues "devastated", Blackburn Leisure Centre on Thursday, prompting managers to close the facility as a mark of respect.
While the lifeguard's identity has not been released, the centre said they had been working there a long time with their tragic death hitting staff hard.
In a statement confirming the sad news, Blackburn Leisure Centre wrote: "Following the tragic passing of a long-serving member of staff at Blackburn Leisure Centre last night, the venue will remain closed today (Thursday, December 22) as a mark of respect.
"The centre was closed last night following the sudden collapse of one of our well-loved lifeguards who sadly passed away.
"Colleagues at BwD Leisure are naturally devastated. We are closing the centre as mark of respect and to allow colleagues some time to come to terms with the loss.
"To all our members and customers we respectfully ask for your patience at this sad time. Our sincerest condolences are with family, friends and colleagues."
Staff at the centre, which is run by Blackburn and Darwen Council, thanked customers for their patience during an "incredibly sad time", confirming the centre would re-open on Friday morning.
