Inquest opened into Strete Gate drowning

The man who died after getting into difficulty while swimming at Strete has been named as 48-year-old Simon Lightbody from Surrey. 

An inquest was opened today, 27 August, by the coroner on Exeter, into the death of Mr Lightbody while he was on holiday. 

Mr Lightbody, an engineer from Reigate in Surrey, died at Blackpool Sands on August 24, after he was hit by a large wave while swimming. His family were on the beach. 

Emergency services were called and he was recovered from the water by an RNLI lifeboat and taken on shore in Dartmouth, but despite extensive efforts he was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The area coroner Deborah Archer said the cause of his death was drowning and she adjourned the inquest until a full hearing can take place at a later date. 

Our thoughts remain with Mr Lightbody's family and friends.