Inquest hears more details about tragedy that saw man, 38, die in Dovestone Reservoir

A personal trainer died after falling into the water whilst paddleboarding with his partner, who was rescued by a member of the public, a coroner has been told.

The body of Simon Daniels, 38, from Cheshire, was later recovered from Dovestone Reservoir. An inquest into his death has now been opened.

Police, fire crews, the coastguard and mountain rescue teams were all scrambled to the Oldham beauty spot after Simon and his partner got into difficulty on the water on Sunday October 20.

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A search for Simon involving the underwater search team continued. His body was then recovered three days later, on Wednesday, October 23.

An inquest into his death was this morning (Friday, November 1) opened at Rochdale Coroner's Court.

Police Coroner's Officer Emma Campbell told the hearing: "Simon went to Dovestone Reservoir on October 20 at around 2pm. He brought his own paddleboard. He came with some friends who went for a hike.

"At 2.26pm Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received a phone call from a member of the public stating two people paddleboarding had fallen into the water. Emergency services attended.

"The deceased's partner was able to be pulled from the water by a member of the public. The underwater search team continued searching for Simon."

Ms Campbell said Simon was formally identified at 7.20pm on Wednesday, October 23 by his "best friend of 14 years" after his body was pulled from the water at Dovestone.

Simon was born in Crewe and lived in Northwich. He was working as a personal trainer and was unmarried, the hearing was told. Area Coroner Catherine McKenna said: "It's quite clear that an inquest is required in law and I formally open the inquest."

She requested the full file of evidence from the police and statements on his background ahead of the full inquest, which has been set for March 13 next year.

In a moving tribute paid after his death, Simon's family said: "Simon is our world, he’s funny, unpredictable and has a heart as big as an ocean. His larger-than-life and his crazy personality lit up every room and his love, kindness and inspiration touched so many people who he met.

“Simon was a friend to everyone, nobody was a stranger in his eyes. His passions were fitness and the gym and helping others to become the best version of themselves.

“His heart was pure and he was unapologetically himself. Funny doesn’t cut it. He was hilarious. He had this power to bring everyone together. He just wanted everyone to be friends. He loved life and even at the darkest of times he still managed to light up the room.

“The community have also shown how much they loved Simon, church bells have rang in his memory along with fireworks. We had no idea how popular and inspirational he was in our local community.”

A GoFundMe page raising funds to support his family has so far raised more than £20,000.