A family outing turned to tragedy in Greater Manchester when a devoted father lost his life after entering a lake to retrieve his young daughter's ball.
Chris McLoughney, 47, from Crumpsall, drowned in Rhyddings Park Lake, Oswaldtwistle, on Saturday afternoon despite desperate rescue attempts by emergency services.
The Fateful Afternoon
What began as a pleasant family day out quickly descended into horror when Mr McLoughney entered the water at approximately 3:30 PM. Witnesses reported seeing the father wading into the lake after a ball that had landed in the water during play with his daughter.
Emergency services launched a massive response, with multiple police units, fire crews, and ambulance teams rushing to the scene. Specialist water rescue teams combed the lake as concerned onlookers watched the unfolding tragedy.
Desperate Search Operation
Rescue teams worked tirelessly for hours in difficult conditions to locate Mr McLoughney. The operation involved:
- Specialist water rescue units from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service
- Multiple police patrols and underwater search teams
- North West Ambulance Service paramedics
- Support from mountain rescue volunteers
Tragically, the search concluded when Mr McLoughney's body was recovered from the water several hours after he first entered the lake.
Community in Mourning
The close-knit community of Oswaldtwistle has been left reeling by the tragic incident. Local residents described their shock at the events unfolding in what is normally a peaceful recreational area.
"This is absolutely heartbreaking," said one local resident who asked not to be named. "Rhyddings Park is where families come to enjoy themselves. To think something so terrible could happen here is devastating."
Police have confirmed they are treating the death as non-suspicious and have prepared a file for the coroner. An inquest will open in due course to establish the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Safety Warnings Issued
Following the incident, authorities have reiterated warnings about the dangers of open water, particularly as weather conditions change approaching autumn.
Key safety concerns around open water include:
- Unexpected changes in water depth
- Cold water shock even during warmer months
- Hidden underwater obstacles and debris
- Strong currents not visible from the surface
Emergency services urge the public to think twice before entering any open water and to call for professional assistance rather than attempting rescues themselves.
The McLoughney family have requested privacy as they come to terms with their devastating loss.
