Man who drowned with daughter ‘highly respected’
John Collins, 66, from Doncaster, drowned in the sea off Fistral Beach in Newquay on 26 July while trying to save his daughter Samantha, 32, after she was dragged into the water while fishing on rocks. Both died at the scene, and Mr Collins has since been remembered by his former employer as a devoted, long-serving colleague, highlighting the personal toll of the tragedy on his workplace and community.
Mr Collins had retired in May as a technical engineer at Heras UK, a fencing and security firm, after 47 years' service. Managing director Graham England said staff were left in "real shock" and praised him as "highly respected and valued," extending condolences to the family. Father and daughter lived together in the Bennetthorpe area of Doncaster; an inquest opened this week heard how he entered the water attempting a rescue, and has been adjourned until July 2027 for a full hearing.
- Doncaster father and daughter drowned together off Newquay's Fistral Beach.
- John Collins, 66, died trying to save daughter Samantha, 32.
- Former employer Heras UK called him "highly respected"; inquest adjourned to 2027.