Wayne Taylor, who is believed to have been visiting the town on a day out with his family, has been named online as the father who tragically died trying to save his two children who had got into difficulty at the weekend.
The other, as yet unnamed, man who died is understood to have been walking his dog on the beach with his partner at the time and waded into the sea to help with the rescue.
A third man, Davey Short, managed to bring the children to the shore to safety and said he was helped by another, as yet unnamed, man.
The tragedy saw an outpouring of grief from the community of Hartlepool and hundreds of tributes led by town leaders.
Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash said: “Hartlepool has suffered a heartbreaking tragedy. Two men went into the sea to help children in difficulty at Seaton Carew. Those children were saved. The two men who went to help did not come home.”
He added: “There are no words that can lessen the pain their families, friends and loved ones are now experiencing. My thoughts are with them all, and I know the whole town will be holding them close in our hearts at this tragic time”
Hartlepool Council Leader, Graham Harrison, said: “On behalf of the people of Hartlepool, I want to offer my deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the two men who so selflessly entered the sea to help others. Their courage, selflessness and sacrifice will never be forgotten. My thoughts are also with the two children involved and everyone affected by this devastating tragedy. We stand with them as they face an unimaginable loss.”
Jess Cole, the cousin of 14-year-old Matthew Sherrington who died in July 2021 after getting into trouble in the sea near Steetley Pier, said: “My heart goes out to the two men that sadly lost their lives at Seaton Carew. It’s the anniversary of Matthew’s death and the news I read made my heart sink. It made me feel physically sick and brought back so many horrendous memories. Thinking of the families at this time and how heartbroken they must be.”
The tragedy, which happened on Sunday, has been reported not only nationally but all around the world.
Author: Ian
Reporter and author of Pop Life, covering all things news, music and local events.
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