Ex-hornets player dies in sea tragedy
TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Rochdale Hornets player who died getting caught in a rip tide.
David Fell was pulled from the sea in North Yorkshire after getting into difficulty in the water on Thursday (July 22).
Emergency services, including the coastguard, were called to the tragic incident at Reighton Sands in Filey at around 2.45pm, Yorkshire Live reports.
Mr Fell grew up in Wigan and played rugby league for Rochdale Hornets, as well as rugby union for Orrell.
He also played for Salford Red Devils in the 1980s and 90s.
A spokesman for the club tweeted: “Salford Red Devils are saddened to hear of the passing of former centre, David Fell.
“Heritage number 866, Fell made his debut for us on Nov 12th 1989 against
Leeds. We send our condolences to his family and friends.”
John Huyton, the club secretary of Orrell RUFC, used to play with Mr Fell.
He wrote on Facebook: “Very sad news to post today with the passing of former Orrell player David Fell.
“David started his Orrell playing career in the U14s and went on to play 1st team, county honours in both Union and League.”
Chair of the club, Tony Havlin, added: “First of all our sympathies go out to David’s family. It’s a very tragic accident.
“He was much-liked and loved at the club really.
“He was a local player; he developed through the junior section and played in the first team and for Lancashire.
“He had lots of friends in the club and was part of the Orrell family.
“He still lived in the area so he will be missed.
“We’re all very shocked and upset. Particularly those who went through the junior ranks with him and grew up with him.
“It’s very sad and very shocking and it’s very close to home.”
North Yorkshire Police are investigating the incident that led to Mr Fell’s death.
Two teenagers also got into difficulty and were taken to hospital.
A force spokesman said: “Police were called by the coastguard at about 2.45pm on Thursday 22 July 2021 to a report of people in difficulty in the sea at Reighton.
“A 55-year-old man was rescued by the RNLI, but sadly later pronounced dead.
“Two teenagers were taken to hospital for treatment. Inquiries are ongoing.”
The three were reportedly swept out to sea after getting caught in a rip tide.
John Ward, from Filey’s RNLI Lifeboat, said: “Just before 2pm, UK Coastguard (Humber) requested the immediate launch of Filey lifeboat following multiple 999 calls that three persons were in great difficulties in the sea off Reighton Gap, some four miles south of Filey. As there was already an Atlantic 85 crew at the boathouse preparing to launch on exercise, it was decided to send that boat (relief Atlantic 85 Pride of Fred Olsen ) with Neil Cammish, Fraser Haddington, Sarah Scrivener and Rhys Colling as crew.
“In view of the nature of the call, the A85 was rapidly launched and with its top speed of over 35 knots, the crew were on scene very quickly.
“A crew member entered the water to assist a man in difficulties whilst the other two persons appeared to have made it safely to shore.
“As the man’s condition was so serious, it was decided to transfer the casualty to Coble Landing Filey at top speed by boat to the waiting paramedics who were attending along with both a Coastguard Rescue Helicopter and the Great Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
“In the meantime, Filey’s D Class lifeboat, Braund, with Alex Harrison, Liam Frampton and Katie Pooley as crew, was launched to assist Coastguard teams and paramedics at Reighton with the other two casualties both of whom were taken to hospital.”
Mr Ward added: “The lifeboat crews quickly launched the Atlantic 85 lifeboat and were able to take advantage of its top speed to reach the casualties so quickly.
“It has been a harrowing experience for everyone, and we thank all our volunteers who attended as well as the Coastguard teams, Police, paramedics and air crews.”
• Block paving • Patios • Tarmac • Driveway extensions • Imprinted concrete • Fencing • Turfing • Driveway Cleaning & Restorations
AN APPLICATION for a non-material amendment to a previously submitted application for land at Kirkway, Aldwych and The Strand, Kirkholt, Rochdale, for the alteration of floor levels of house types B and C to enhance level access has been granted subject to a number of conditions.
The plans also included the submission of an updated Arboricultural Impact Assessment which has been accepted. ●● AN application for a prior notification for a single-storey extension at 9 Perry Close Rochdale, has been determined that prior approval is not required. ●● A SECTION 73 application to vary conditions in relation to a previously submitted application for 561 Bury Road, Rochdale, to amend external design and finishes has been granted subject to conditions. ●● AN application for a single storey side and rear extension at 2 Cotaline Close, Rochdale, has been refused. ●● AN application for a two-storey front and single-storey rear extension at 6 Forest View, Rochdale has been granted subject to conditions. ●● AN application for a two-storey side and rear extension at 21 Berkeley Drive, Rochdale, together with a single-storey rear extension and alterations to a detached garage including a new pitched roof has been granted subject to conditions. ●● AN application for a single-storey side and rear extension at 19 Maclure Road, Rochdale, following the demolition of a rear porch has been refused. ●● AN application for a two-storey side extension at 68 Smith Hill, Milnrow, following demolition of a detached garage has been granted subject to conditions. ●● THE submission of details to comply with conditions involving a condition for a contamination risk assessment in relation to a previously submitted application for Mount Pleasant Farm, Church Road, Heywood, has been completed. ●● AN application seeking prior approval for the demolition of a steel frame portal building with brick and block walls on a concrete slab at Giantsfoot Facility, Eafield Road, Rochdale, has been granted subject to conditions. ●● AN application for a first- floor side extension at 44 Juniper Drive, Milnrow, has been granted subject to conditions. ●● AN application for prior notification for the installation of a 49kw PV solar panel system on the flat roof section of Middleton Bus Station, Middleton Way, Middleton, has been determined as prior approval not required. ●● AN application for a two-storey side extension at 31 Broomfield Crescent, Middleton, together with a single-storey rear extension following demolition of an attached garage has been granted subject to conditions.