A father who died while attempting to save his two children from the sea at Seaton Carew beach in Hartlepool has been identified as Wayne Taylor. The tragedy occurred on Sunday, July 12, when a family day out turned into a devastating incident after two children got into difficulty in the water.
Rescue Attempt and Fatalities
Mr Taylor rushed into the sea to rescue his children, joined by beachgoer Davey Short and another unidentified man. Tragically, both Mr Taylor and the second man lost their lives during the rescue. The RNLI was called to the scene at approximately 3:45 PM and recovered both men from the water. Despite emergency services' efforts, they were pronounced dead shortly after. The two children were brought to safety and taken to hospital as a precaution; they were not seriously injured.
Witness Account
Davey Short, who also entered the water to help, described the desperate moments. According to The Mirror, he said: "There were three children at the beach with their mam and dad, a boy aged 15, a second boy aged 11 or 12 and a younger girl. The two younger kids were in the sea and started to struggle." He added: "I saw a second figure next to the boy and he was face down in the water. I discovered afterward the children's father had gone in to rescue them, was swept away, and didn't get back out. A second man had also gone in and he drowned as well. He had been out walking his dog with his partner and he ran in to help. She saw the whole thing, it's devastating to think about that."
Police Statement
Superintendent Glen Ward of Cleveland Police expressed condolences: "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." He added: "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. 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."
Tributes and Fundraising
Tributes have been paid to Mr Taylor online. One family friend wrote on Facebook: "Wayne Taylor (Tim) as the lads would say, you know what they say god only takes the best and that you was, thanks so much for being the most amazing best friend to my Liam... RIP mate, absolute hero. And RIP to that other gentleman too, my thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones right now." A GoFundMe appeal has been launched to support Mr Taylor's family with funeral costs and to help his children. As of the latest update, more than £31,000 has been donated.
