A man who disappeared while swimming in the River Weaver in Nantwich, has died.
Robert Kynnersley, 59, disappeared underwater during the incident close to the weir off Mill Island, sparking a massive police and fire rescue operation.
Emergency services deployed their underwater diver teams and rescue boats and spent several hours looking for Robert.
But his body was later recovered from the water shortly after 9pm.
A young girl was rescued by passers by during what was believed to be the same incident, which happened at around 6pm yesterday (May 7).
Hundreds of people looked on in horror as many families were visiting the river during yesterday’s Bank Holiday Monday hot temperatures.
Residents on nearby Riverside also witnessed the large scale rescue and search operation.
Today, Robert’s family said in a statement: “Robert tragically died whilst swimming in Nantwich River.
“He was a loving father and grandfather and will be sadly missed.
“The family ask for some privacy during this period of grief.”
A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: “At 6pm on Monday 7 May Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and paramedics were called to Riverside, Nantwich, after a report that two swimmers were in difficulty.
“One of the swimmers was rescued by a member of the public before the arrival of the emergency services.
“The emergency services deployed the NPAS helicopter, a police dog unit, specialist fire and rescue service boat rescue teams and an underwater search and rescue unit in the search for the second swimmer.
“Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone at the scene a 59-year-old local man’s body was discovered in the river at 9.10pm.
“There are no suspicious circumstances and a file is being prepared for the coroner.”
Very sad. Two months on though and nothing has been done, or proposed, to make this weir safe and ensure this tragic accident doesn’t reoccur. There are options out there!