A fundraising campaign for the family of Wayne Taylor, a father who died while rescuing his children at Seaton Carew beach in Hartlepool, has raised more than £8,000. The GoFundMe page, set up by family friend Shannon Bailey, has received over 400 individual donations.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred at around 3.45pm on Sunday, July 12, 2026. Wayne Taylor and 62-year-old Ian Pascoe both lost their lives after entering the water to help two children, believed to be Taylor's own, who got into difficulties. Both children were taken to hospital for precautionary checks.
The fundraiser's description states: "On behalf of Wayne Taylor, who sadly lost his life on the 12th of July 2026 after struggling at Seaton Carew beach, Hartlepool, when his children got into difficulties in the water during their family day out… Wayne jumped in and tried his best to save them, along with another member of the public who also sadly lost his life."
Emergency Response
Cleveland Police, the RNLI, and North East Ambulance Service attended the scene. Despite urgent treatment, both men were pronounced dead shortly after being brought out of the sea.
Cleveland Police Superintendent Glen Ward said: "Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of both the men involved in this tragic incident today. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, sadly both men were pronounced dead a short time after being brought out of the sea. We are conducting enquiries into the circumstances of what happened today, although the deaths are not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the Coroner."
Safety Warning
Superintendent Ward added: "I would like to remind everyone that open water comes with serious risks. We know it is inviting in the hot weather, but we would encourage people to refrain from entering any open water at all. Today we have sadly seen the true tragedy that can happen as a result. Please take extra care and enjoy the warm weather as safely as possible."
