Father Wayne Taylor, believed to be from the Shildon area of County Durham, was enjoying a trip to the beach with his wife and children when the heartbreaking tragedy struck.
Wayne was one of two men who tragically died in a desperate attempt to save his two children when they got into trouble in the sea at Seaton on Sunday 12 July.
Following the incident, a fundraising appeal was launched by family friend Shannon Bailey, which has already raised thousands of pounds to help the family in the wake of the tragedy.
The appeal states: “On behalf of Wayne Taylor, who sadly lost his life on July 12, 2026 after struggling at Seaton Carew beach, Hartlepool, when his children got into difficulties in the water during their family day out. Wayne jumped in and tried his best to save them, along with another member of the public who also sadly lost his life.”
It added: “We would like to thank everyone who attended to the family at the beach and helped save their children – they are forever grateful. Sadly, two men lost their lives, and no one could describe the pain the families are feeling or enduring during this difficult time. I have set up this GoFundMe to try and take the weight off the family and help towards funeral costs and the children at this very sad time… any help would be appreciated. Thank you.”
A second GoFundMe – set up by rescue hero Davey Short – has also raised more than £2,500 for both men’s families.
Readers can make donations at www.gofundme.com/f/wayne-taylor. and https://www.gofundme.com/f/to-the-2-heros-that-didnt-make-it-home-yesterday
