17 Jul 2022
WF3 KINDNESS
A statement from the WF3 Kindness team following the tragic incident in our community over the weekend.
Along with lots of people in our community we have been monitoring the sad developments from the reservoir over the weekend.
Emergency services descended on our village in large numbers at tea time on Saturday (17th July) and are still here as we write this.
A local man went to the res yesterday and didn’t get to go home.
Lots of people were there, many will have witnessed this tragic incident unfold.
Our brave and heroic emergency services worked none stop in difficult conditions for over 24 hours.
The outcome was everyone’s worse fear.
A local family are grieving.
Friends will be grieving.
Members of our community are grieving.
The whole community is in shock.
We are lucky to have such a beautiful place right on our door step, we are lucky to have somewhere nice to walk, jog, ride and spend time with our families… and our pets but this is a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in open waters and as tempting as the cool water is in these high temperatures, please stay safe and encourage others to keep safe too.
Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends, we stand ready to support this family in any help they need at this unimaginably difficult time.
This weekends events have affected a lot of people in our community, remember someone living and walking amongst us, someone you maybe talking to, someone reading your comments on social media… could be affected - Be kind.
The West Yorkshire Police statement in full:
Sunday 17th July 2022
Body Recovered in Search, Ardsley Reservoir
Emergency services searching for a man in water at Ardsley Reservoir have recovered a body.
Police were called to a concern for safety at 5.30pm yesterday evening (16 July) to a report a man had got into difficulty in the water.
A 50 year old man from the local area was found in the water this afternoon.
His death is being treated as non-suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
Detective Inspector Phil Hughes of Leeds CID said:
“This is a tragic incident in which a man has lost his life. Specially trained officers are supporting his family at this difficult time.
“This incident serves as a timely reminder about the dangers of swimming in open water.
“The weather is due to get hotter this week, I would urge people to not enter or swim in reservoirs or open waters.”