Fun, caring and talented Family remember Cory, 21, who died at water park
THE heartbroken family of the young man who drowned at Cotswold Water Park last week have paid tribute to their “fun, caring and talented” loved one.
Cory Nicholson, 21, died after getting into difficulties in one of the lakes at the attraction, near Cirencester, last Tuesday.
Other swimmers tried in vain to save him before emergency services began a lengthy search operation.
It had been reported he was looking for a missing dog, but that has since been found not to be the case.
Cory was from Calne in Wiltshire and worked as a car mechanic.
His family revealed he also loved nothing more than volunteering with his local fire and rescue service as well as helping out a charity supporting those with Down’s syndrome.
They described him as a “complete and utter family man” who was overjoyed to recently become an uncle.
In a statement given exclusively to the Gloucestershire Echo, the family said: “Cory was tragically taken from us too soon. He was a wonderful man who was loved by everyone – he was fun, caring and so talented.
“Known for his love for all animals, including exotic ones, he had quite a pet collection of lizards, stick insects, spiders and many more.
“He was a keen car enthusiast, spending much of his time at car shows and customising his hot rod car with his dad. He achieved so much in his
short 21 years of life and always wanted the best things in life.
“He was lucky enough to be chosen and graduated from the Mercedes apprenticeship, selected out of 30,000 applicants, which was the foundation of his career as a mechanic.
“He was a complete and utter family man.
“He’d been enjoying becoming an uncle over the last couple of years and his nieces absolutely adored him.
“He loved a family gathering, always the one with the smile that lit up the room. His love extended to friends, of which he had so many, and even strangers.
“Working with his local fire and rescue service, Cory supported them with their Salamander initiative, which helps young people in Swindon and Wiltshire, providing them with life skills and helping them gain confidence.
“He also enjoyed spending time with the Swindon Down’s syndrome charity group. They were always overjoyed and excited to see him.
“Everyone is devastated by the loss of Cory. His family are overwhelmed by the love and support they have received.
“People have been paying their respects to Cory at the lake where he passed away.
“Cory Nicholson was a very much loved and popular mechanic. He had a heart of gold, always there for you if you needed him.
“Cory was taken too soon and will forever be remembered as the little guy with (the) biggest heart.
“RIEP Cory Nicholson aka Shorty.”
He had a heart of gold, always there for you if you needed him