Tributes to bridge victim
Tributes have been paid to a Sunderland man who died after falling from the Wearmouth Bridge.
Sunderland Coroner’s Office confirmed the man was John Charles McIvor, 36, from Ryhope – who was known as Joe to his friends and family.
Tributes have been paid to a Sunderland man who died after falling from the Wearmouth Bridge.
Sunderland Coroner’s Office confirmed the man was John Charles McIvor, 36, from Ryhope – who was known as Joe to his friends and family.
Emergency services were called to the scene at 2.24pm on Thursday.
A female student who had witnessed the incident climbed down one of the ladders at the riverside and held on to him until the emergency services, including the fire service and Sunderland RNLI volunteers arrived.
Mr McIvor was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital by ambulance after being worked on by paramedics and a doctor from the Great North Air Ambulance but later died.
The RNLI’s Paul Nicholson has praised the quickthinking actions of the student.
A Northumbria Police spokeswoman confirmed there was no third-party involvement.
An inquest into his death is expected to open in coming days at the coroner’s court at Sunderland Civic Centre.
Scores of tributes have been left to Mr McIvor on the Echo’s Facebook page, while many others also praised the efforts of the student who tried to rescue Mr McIvor.
Kevin Illingworth wrote: “RIP to the best mate a bloke could have, will never forget you.”
Rebecca Haynes added: “Sleep tight lovely! Massive miss to anyone who knows and loves you.”
Lydia Tumilty wrote: “So sad RIP thinking of his family and friends.”
Richard Lightfoot added: “So sad, rest in peace Joe.”
Sarah Pattison wrote: “RIP Joe.”
Claire Minto Gale Johnston wrote: “R.I.P Joe you will be a big miss in Ryhope.”
Julie Reynoldson added: “So sad, RIP Joe you will be a big miss.”
Rachael Hepton added: “RIP. Thoughts are with family and friends.”
Ann Robson added: “RIP Joe.”
Rebecca Hall wrote: “RIP Joe God speed.”
And Tracie Watson wrote: “So sad, RIP thoughts with you and your family.”
Speaking about the attempted rescue of Mr McIvor and in particular the student’s work in trying to save him, Mr Nicholson said: “She held on to him until the emergency services arrived.
“The fire brigade arrived and one of the officers swapped with the student, then our lifeboat arrived and transferred the man on to the lifeboat where first aid commenced.
“She did an excellent job in assisting the emergency services with the rescue.
“We would recommend that people be careful when doing this when they don’t have the correct equipment, but she didn’t put herself in any immediate danger.”