An inquest has opened into the death of Jeremy Paynter, a 45-year-old former UK champion powerlifter and devoted father, who died in a jet ski accident while on holiday in Alcudia, Mallorca, on June 28.
Accident details
Mr Paynter, from Seabrook, near Hythe, was on a personal water craft with his partner, Emily Hill, when the stationary craft overturned, causing them to fall into the water. Coroner Patricia Harding stated: “The information before the court is that he was on a jet ski trip, on a stationary jet ski with his partner, wearing life jackets, when it tipped and they fell into the water. He pushed his partner back onto the jet ski but struggled to get on himself.”
He was eventually pulled onto nearby rocks, and an air ambulance was called, but he could not be revived. A preliminary post-mortem in Spain recorded the cause of death as asphyxia.
Tributes
Mr Paynter, a senior finance manager, leaves behind a seven-year-old daughter. His ex-wife, former England rugby player Cathrine Spencer, paid tribute on LinkedIn: “Jeremy was an incredible Dad to our amazing daughter. Jeremy was larger than life in every way. He made such an incredible, positive impact on everyone he met.”
Former colleague Jo Hobbs said: “Such shocking and sad news. I have many fond memories from the time I worked with Jeremy, it was an honour to have met him.” Another former colleague, Kenneth Louis Juan, said: “He was a constant source of encouragement, always pushing us to strive for greater things.”
The inquest was adjourned for a full hearing at a date to be fixed.
