A paddleboarder whose body was recovered from Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham, has been identified as Simon Daniels (pictured) from Cheshire.
Emergency services were called to the area on Sunday, October 20, on reports of a man and a woman in difficulty in the water. An extensive multi-agency emergency search including the Coastguard and Mountain Rescue was launched.
The woman was rescued, but Mr Daniels’ body was not found until Wednesday.
Simon’s family have 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.”
Simon’s family have asked for privacy whilst they grieve his loss.
Detective inspector Laura Crossley from Oldham CID said: “Throughout this tragic incident we have been in close contact with Simon’s family and will continue to offer them our support as they come to terms with their loss.
“His death is not being treated as suspicious. A report is being prepared for the coroner.”
A Go Fund me account has been set up by Simon’s friends, and directed to be spent by his mother, towards his finances, a charity of his family’s choice or the funeral: https://www.gofundme.com/f/simon-daniels
