TRIBUTES have been paid to Winsford paddleboarder and ‘absolute legend’, Simon Daniels, after police confirmed the worst.
The 29-year-old’s body was discovered by a police underwater search team at Dovestone Reservoir at 6.15pm on Wednesday, October 23, bringing a major four-day search to a tragic conclusion.
At 2.30pm on Sunday, October 20, emergency services in Greater Manchester received reports of a man and women having fallen from an inflatable paddleboard into the reservoir high on Saddleworth Moor, near Oldham.
A woman was rescued from the lake before being treated for shock and hypothermia by paramedics at the scene.
Simon could not be found, and a major search operation began involving police, fire, and ambulance services, including a helicopter, as well as Coastguard and mountain rescue personnel.
The operation continued until Wednesday evening when Simon’s body was discovered by a police underwater search team.
DI Crossley said: “At 6.15pm this evening, the police underwater search team discovered a body, which has now been confirmed as Simon Daniels, from Cheshire.
“We have informed Simon’s family of this development.
“His death is not being treated as suspicious and the scene has now been closed.
“A report is being prepared for the corner.”
After the announcement, Northwich & Winsford Guardian’s Facebook page was overwhelmed with messages expressing grief at Simon’s death.
A much-loved personal trainer and exercise guru in the town, friends and former clients paid tribute to a 'beautiful soul’ and an ‘absolute legend’ who ‘spent so much of his life helping others improve theirs’.
“Seen you grow from the new guy at Pure, to your best self, with a life ahead of you so full of potential with Holly by your side, cruelly snatched away.
“Thinking of your family at this most tragic of times.
Kimberley Brandon said: “Truly heartbreaking.
“I go to the gym Simon manages and he was always so supportive, upbeat, kind, and friendly, especially when I went to him for fitness advice.
“Such a massive loss to lose such a lovely man.”
Ken Buckley said: “I cannot comprehend how such a fit, strong young man can lose his life so sadly.
“It must be used as a lesson to others, how easily a life can be taken from us.
“RIP to a very polite and friendly guy, who spent his life helping others improve theirs.”
Emily Whitaker said: “It’s such a tragedy.
“He was my personal trainer for a while, and he just had the most beautiful soul.
“He had a heart for people and infectious energy. Rest in peace.”
Carla Gonan said: “Wishing Simon’s family strength at this time. He was an absolute legend, and I enjoyed our time in the gym."
Jenny Curlett said: “So sad. Didn’t know Simon personally, but he made sure I was OK in the pub once when a weirdo wouldn’t leave me alone. What a gent. Thinking of his loved ones.
The messages motivated even those who had never met him to add their voices to the raft of tributes.
Joanne Walsh said: “RIP Simon, and condolences to your family and friends.
“From reading all the messages, you were loved so, so much by lots people, and you’re going been missed.”
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