A teenager who died at Dovestone Reservoir has been named as Karl Holland – with touching tributes being paid to a ‘kindhearted, beautiful boy’.
Karl, 18, died after getting into difficulties at the beauty spot in Saddleworth, Oldham, on Friday night (July 10).
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 7pm and he was sadly found unresponsive in the water. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Karl was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Greater Manchester Police said detectives were conducting ‘extensive enquiries’ to establish the full circumstances – and stressed the dangers of open water after a series of other tragedies in Greater Manchester and across the country during the recent heatwaves.
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Friends have now taken to Facebook and social media to pay tribute to Karl.
It’s understood his mother, Laura, died four years ago following a bleed on the brain. Friends said he helped take care of his younger sister in the months and years that followed after his grandparents took them in. Karl also leaves behind another, older, sister.
Laura’s friend Jaime Smith, whose daughter Kyla is pals with Karl’s sister, said: “We’re all just in shock, we can’t believe it’s happened.”
Dovestone Reservoir(Image: Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning)
Kyla added: “Karl was so loved by so many. He always looked after his little sister when they lost their mum four years ago. He always loved life with his friends and was deeply loved by his family and friends. Karl will forever be loved and never forgotten. He was such a bubbly happy boy. May Karl rest easy with his mam.”
Naomi Rowbotham said: “He was a young boy who just loved to have fun and laugh with his friends. He was a good friend to my little brother. He was a good kid and so polite. His mum will be waiting at the gates for [him]. Sleep tight kid, gone way too soon. Please be mindful when swimming in open waters.”
Friend Faye Louise said: “Karl, what do I even say? You were the most kind-hearted, beautiful boy. You shouldn’t have been taken away from us all so soon.
Tributes are pouring in for Karl Holland(Image: Facebook)
“I’m absolutely heartbroken, as is everyone else. Back with your mum now, kid. I know she would have welcomed you up there with open arms. Rest easy our boy, love you.”
Another friend, who asked not to be named, added: “Karl was the life and soul of any and every party. He’d lift the mood the second he walked into the room with his big smile and his long curly hair.
“His mum passed away a few years ago and she – alongside his sisters and nan – were his entire world. He’d often go to his nana’s garden and have a moment with his mum’s memorial area before nights out.
“Karl feared nothing in life and saw everything as an adventure. He will be massively missed by everyone that knew or got to be in his presence. Rest peacefully with your mum. Have a dance with her and give her the biggest cuddle you’re back where your heart longed to be rkid x.”
Paige Lily said: “He was a loving son and brother – a good friend to many with a heart of gold.”
Warnings about open water have been issued(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Tributes continue to pour in on Facebook. Teigan O’Brien posted: “Back with your mam now Karl. Rest easy mate.” Paige Lily said: “Rest easy Karl x.” Mia Driscoll added: “Rest easy Karl. Please look after your mum.” Jodie Newcomb posted: “RIP Karl another young life gone too soon.”
Donna Hands said: “This is devastating. RIP Karl, you’re with your mum now. So sad. Prayers and thoughts to your family.”
Detective Inspector Steven Horton said: “Our thoughts remain with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. I would like to take this opportunity to remind the public of the dangers of open water. We strongly encourage people to stay safe and refrain from entering large bodies of water including reservoirs, rivers, canals, or ponds. Your safety is our priority. Please look after yourselves and enjoy the weather safely.”