Man died after paddleboarding at reservoir, inquest hears

At Rochdale Coroners Court today (Friday, November 1), the inquest into the death of Simon Daniels, 29, was opened by area coroner for Manchester North, Catherine McKenna.

The court heard that Simon, who lived in Northwich, Cheshire, visited Dovestone Reservoir with friends at around 2pm on Sunday, October 20.

Police coroner's officer Emma Campbell told the court that while some of Simon's friends went on a hike, he and another person went out on a paddleboard.

Simon had visited Dovestones Reservoir with friends (Image: GMP)

She said at 2.26pm, Greater Manchester Police received a phone call stating two people had fallen into the water.

While the other person was pulled from the water by a member of the public, a search was launched to find Simon, with his body eventually found on Wednesday, October 23, and formally identified by Simon's best friend, Aaron Smith.

‘Heart as big as his biceps’: Tributes to paddleboarder after police find body

The court heard that a post-mortem examination has been carried out but the court is awaiting the results.

Ms McKenna set a review date for the inquest into Simon's death on December 23, while the full inquest is scheduled to take place on March 13 next year.

The court heard that Simon was born in Crewe in November 1992 and that he was single at the time of his death.

The personal trainer's passions were fitness and the gym (Image: Newsquest)

In a touching tribute released by Simon’s family after his body was recovered, he was described as someone who had "the power to bring everyone together".

The full tribute read: "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 described as 'so supportive, upbeat, kind, and friendly' by those who knew him (Image: Simon Daniels/Facebook)

“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.”