Man who died trying to help young girl at Chasewater Reservoir named as 21-year-old Carl Storer
A man who died trying to help a young girl in trouble in the water at Chasewater Reservoir on Sunday has been named as 21-year-old Carl Storer.
Carl, from Tamworth, got into difficulty himself after entering the water to help a 9-year-old girl.
Officers were called to the park at around 6pm today following reports two people had got into difficulty while in the water.
Emergency services including West Midlands Ambulance Service, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Staffordshire Air Ambulance all attended.
In a tribute to Carl, his family said: "You were a really good brother and you will be deeply missed by family and friends. Rest in peace and fly with the eagles. You will always be loved."
Sergeant Fay Mills, from the Lichfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Carl's family are receiving support from specially-trained officers and our thoughts are with them at this time. We are working with partners to establish the circumstances of his death and a report is being prepared for the Coroners. We have an increased officer presence at the park today to offer reassurance and we would encourage everyone to avoid swimming in open water for their own safety."
Mark Winnington, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet member responsible for Chasewater, said: "Everyone is upset to hear the news of the tragic event at Chasewater reservoir and it is so sad that a day out enjoying the summer sun has ended in tragedy for this young man and his family and our thoughts are with his loved ones today.
"Though we do not yet know the full circumstances of how this happened, it is a sad reminder of how even the strongest swimmer can find themselves struggling while swimming in cold water.
"We all want to enjoy the warmer weather, but our advice to everyone is not to be tempted to cool off by swimming unsupervised in open waters."