🚨 HEARTBREAKING TRAGEDY: Granddad Who ‘Didn’t Hesitate’ to Save Two Children D-i-es as Emotional Tributes Flood In
A GRANDDAD who died after leaping into the sea to save two struggling children alongside their dad has been pictured, as his family pay tribute.
Ian Pascoe, 62, was with his wife and gradaughter on Seaton Carew beach in County Durham, on Sunday.
Ian Pascoe was walking along the beachfront with his family when he entered the water to save two childrenCredit: Facebook
Wayne Taylor tragically lost his life trying to save his kids from the seaCredit: gofundme
He bravely jumped into the water to assist two children alongside Wayne Taylor – the dad of the struggling kids.
Emergency services were called to the scene and the children – a nine-year-old boy and younger girl – were recovered from the sea and rushed to hospital.
Tragically, despite the best efforts of medics, both Ian and Wayne were pronounced dead at the scene.
Paying a heartbroken tribute to his dad, Ian’s son Dan, 30, said: “He was the kind of person who has always done the right thing.
Ian handed his phone to his wife and jumped into the water to rescue the kidsCredit: UKNIP
The children were rescued from the sea and rushed to hospitalCredit: UKNIP
“He stood up for what he thought was right and took action when other people might have stood by and watched.
“He always lived his life like that, and I am so proud of him and so proud to call him my dad.”
Ian had recently returned from a job in Saudi Arabia after 17 years with the intention of spending more time with his family.
Dan added: “He did not do anything for recognition or glory. He was just a really good man. He was a big advocate for action and so am I.
“So we back the campaign for action and to raise awareness of water dangers.
“We don’t want to talk about things, we need to do things. Something has to be done to improve water safety. Then his death will not be in vain.”
Ian’s family hailed his bravery, saying he didn’t hesitate to help the youngsters – handing over his phone and jumping into action.
Dan said: “We are so happy that the children who were in difficulty survived, and so sad that they lost their dad.
“My dad did not hesitate when he saw the children in difficulty.
“He passed his phone to my mum and said, ‘Here, hold this for me, I will be back in a bit.’
“He was never one to hold back; he would never witness, he would always act – and he went in to try and save them.”
A fundraiser has been launched for Wayne Taylor, the tragic dad of the children who lost his life trying to save his kids alongside Ian.
A witness claims it took the emergency services around 40minutes to attend and says he had no choice but to risk his own life to rescue the child.
Hero bystander Davey Short, 48, helped rescue the kids after their mum pleaded with beachgoers to assist.
Davey explained how he sprang into action after he saw a child who was struggling in the rough seas while his father was floating face down next to him.
Superintendent Glen Ward of Cleveland Police previously, 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.
“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.”
