A father who drowned in the sea while trying to save his daughter after she got into difficulty has been described by his former employer as "highly valued and respected". John Collins, from Doncaster, had only retired in May after 47 years as a technical engineer at fencing and security specialists Heras UK.
The 66-year-old was on holiday in Cornwall with his daughter Samantha, 32, when they entered the water while fishing at Fistral Beach in Newquay on 26 July. Both died at the scene.
What did his employer say?
Heras managing director Graham England said staff at the Doncaster firm were in "real shock" at the news of their deaths.
John, who was married, and Samantha lived at the same house in the Bennetthorpe area of the city.
What happened at Fistral Beach?
On Tuesday, at the opening of an inquest into their deaths, it was heard the pair had been fishing on rocks when Samantha was dragged into the sea and her father jumped in to try to save her. The inquest was adjourned until July 2027, when a full hearing will take place.
In a statement, England said:
John was a highly respected and valued member of the Heras family, dedicating 47 years of service to the business. Throughout his career, he earned the respect and friendship of colleagues across the company, and his contribution to Heras will not be forgotten.
The news of the tragic loss of John and his daughter, Samantha, has come as a real shock to everyone.
On behalf of everyone at Heras, we extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to John's family, friends and all those affected by this devastating news.
John will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
What happens next in the inquest?
The inquest into the deaths of John Collins and Samantha Collins was opened on Tuesday and then adjourned until July 2027, when a full hearing is due to take place.
The family’s deaths have prompted tributes from Heras UK, where John worked for 47 years before retiring in May.
The company said his contribution would not be forgotten and expressed condolences to his family, friends and others affected by the tragedy.
John and Samantha both died at the scene after entering the water at Fistral Beach in Newquay on 26 July.
The opening of the inquest heard that Samantha was dragged into the sea while the pair were fishing on rocks, and John jumped in to try to save her.
He had retired as a technical engineer at Heras UK in May, having spent his whole career with the company.
John and Samantha lived together in the Bennetthorpe area of Doncaster. John was married.
Key Facts
- John Collins, 66, died with his daughter Samantha, 32, at Fistral Beach in Newquay on 26 July.
- He had retired in May after 47 years as a technical engineer at Heras UK.
- The inquest opened on Tuesday and was adjourned until July 2027.
- Heras managing director Graham England said staff were in "real shock".
