Reservoir death man's anguished plea for help

1:58pm Saturday 17th May 2008

THE girlfriend of a man who drowned saving her daughter has spoken of her horror as he disappeared below the water.

Devasted Tricia Nowell described Andrew Smith as a hero after he dived into Anglezarke reservoir to rescue her 12-year-old daughter, Aimee, on Wednesday evening.

Miss Nowell, of First Avenue, Atherton, said: "It's the sort of thing I would expect him to do even though deep water was his biggest fear. He was a brilliant person and a fantastic dad. He is a hero."

The couple, who first dated as teenagers, had been together for 10 years and had a daughter, Jodi, aged seven. They had talked about getting married.

Along with their dog, Scooby, the family had gone for a walk at the beauty spot.

Tragedy struck as the couple threw a ball for their German Shepherd while Amiee and Jodi played on the bank of the reservoir.

Aimee slipped on a rock and fell into the water.

Miss Nowell, who also has a son Daniel, aged 14, from a previous relationship, said: "I just heard a splash and Aimee had fallen backwards into the water. She panicked and started to swim on her back towards the middle.

"I shouted for her to get out but she couldn't, she was going under."

Immediately, Mr Smith, who worked for distributors Mark Two, dived in and helped Amiee back to shore, but then disappeared under the water.

Miss Nowell, said: "Scooby got hold of Aimee but Andrew went under again. Aimee said he grabbed hold of her leg then let go. He looked at me and said: Babe please help me' but I couldn't."

Miss Nowell, aged 33, went in after her partner, but could not find him. His body was recovered later that night after a search by the police, fire service and mountain rescue team Mr Smith, who had three sisters and a brother, was a strong swimmer but had a hernia operation last month.

His family believe this and the cold water prevented him from being able to get out of the reservoir. It is hoped a memorial bench can be installed in Rivington, which was his favourite place.

Olympic silver medal for Jason