Family of Man Who Fell into Reservoir Share Tribute After Police Recover His Body: 'A Friend to Everyone'

Mar. 15, 2025

Simon Daniels.Photo:Greater Manchester Police

Greater Manchester Police

The body of a man whowent missingwhile paddleboarding has been found, according to police.Greater Manchester Policeannounced on Wednesday, Oct. 23, that the body of Simon Daniels, of Cheshire, England, had been found in the Dovestone Reservoir.The search was launched on Sunday, Oct. 20, after authorities received a report of two people who “got into difficulty in the water,” according to the police department’s news release.Detective Inspector Laura Crossley said Daniels’ death “is not being treated as suspicious and the scene has now been closed,” perthe BBCandThe Manchester Evening News.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Daniels’s family said he had a “pure” heart and “was unapologetically himself,” according to police. They described him as “funny” and “unpredictable” with “a heart as big as an ocean,” as well.“He was hilarious,” Daniels’ family recalled. “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.”They also said he was “a friend to everyone, nobody was a stranger in his eyes.“Daniels’ girlfriend was rescued from the water that day and later hospitalized, the BBC reported. She was treated for hypothermia and shock, per theManchester Evening News.Police said they “appreciate the public’s support” during the search for Daniels, and acknowledged “the inconvenience this may have caused over the last few days at Dovestone Reservoir.”“It was important we conducted a full and thorough search for Simon,” the department added.Police previously said emergency services were “working in difficult conditions” while searching for Daniels, who worked as a personal trainer, according to hisInstagrampage.Daniels’ family also thanked members of the community who showed their support during the search.“We had no idea how popular and inspirational he was in our local community,” they said.A report is being prepared for the local corner, according to police.

The body of a man whowent missingwhile paddleboarding has been found, according to police.

Greater Manchester Policeannounced on Wednesday, Oct. 23, that the body of Simon Daniels, of Cheshire, England, had been found in the Dovestone Reservoir.

The search was launched on Sunday, Oct. 20, after authorities received a report of two people who “got into difficulty in the water,” according to the police department’s news release.

Detective Inspector Laura Crossley said Daniels’ death “is not being treated as suspicious and the scene has now been closed,” perthe BBCandThe Manchester Evening News.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Daniels’s family said he had a “pure” heart and “was unapologetically himself,” according to police. They described him as “funny” and “unpredictable” with “a heart as big as an ocean,” as well.

“He was hilarious,” Daniels’ family recalled. “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.”

They also said he was “a friend to everyone, nobody was a stranger in his eyes.”

Daniels’ girlfriend was rescued from the water that day and later hospitalized, the BBC reported. She was treated for hypothermia and shock, per theManchester Evening News.

Police said they “appreciate the public’s support” during the search for Daniels, and acknowledged “the inconvenience this may have caused over the last few days at Dovestone Reservoir.”

“It was important we conducted a full and thorough search for Simon,” the department added.

Police previously said emergency services were “working in difficult conditions” while searching for Daniels, who worked as a personal trainer, according to hisInstagrampage.

Daniels’ family also thanked members of the community who showed their support during the search.

“We had no idea how popular and inspirational he was in our local community,” they said.

A report is being prepared for the local corner, according to police.

source: people.com