Dad who died in lake tragedy was celebrating his birthday
A man who died at Waterloo’s Marine Lake had been celebrating his birthday with family and friends.
Joe Melia from Kirkby had got into difficulty after using a paddleboard in the water on the afternoon of Friday, August 11. Members of the public and a number of officers[1] went in to the water to desperately try and save the dad-of-two, but he could not found.
The 37-year-old’s body was found by police[2] days later on Monday, August 14. His family have now shared a statement in which they said Joe was celebrating his birthday when the incident happened.
The family statement said: “Joe was a loving dad, partner, son and uncle. He was having a lovely day with his family and friends in the sun celebrating his birthday.
“Joe was kind and bubbly and would do anything for anyone. We would like to thank everyone for their support but would like time now to process and grieve our loss.”
His death is not being treated as suspicious. A GoFundMe page has been set up by a family friend, to help raise funds for his two children and girlfriend. Organiser of the fundraiser, Gemma Lymer, said: “Joe and Demi took their children for a day out at Crosby beach where Joe got into difficulty in the marine lake and it resulted in him not returning home.[4][5]
“Can we all please help in donating a little something to help Demi and her two children. Thank you all for reading and donating! Can you all share with your friends and family please it would be greatly appreciated.”
Joe Melia died after getting into difficulty in Marine Lake , Waterloo (Image: GoFundMe)
Police are still appealing for anyone in the area at the time of the incident to contact police. Chief Superintendent[6] Claire Doyle said: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm that the body of the man has been recovered from the water. Our sincere condolences go to his family and friends during this tragic time.
“Our enquiries are ongoing into this incident and I would appeal to anyone who was visiting the lake at the time of the incident to please get in touch if you saw anything.”
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “We are all deeply saddened by this news and our thoughts are with the family and friends of this individual at this difficult time.
“The council will, of course, be doing anything it can to aid any resulting enquires into this tragic incident. The lake will remain closed until all relevant checks have been carried out.”
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 773 of August 11.
Don’t miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here[7]
References
- ^ number of officers (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ body was found by police (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ Worker who died at Bramley Moore named as family pay tribute (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ A GoFundMe page (www.gofundme.com)
- ^ fundraiser (www.gofundme.com)
- ^ Chief Superintendent (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ Don’t miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)