English Channel tragedy: Family of Nick Thomas pay tribute saying he 'died doing what he loved'

Mr Thomas's family said the athlete lost his life doing something he loved.

Mr Thomas, from Ellesmere, died on what would have been his 45th birthday after getting into difficulties 16 hours into his swim on Sunday.

Known for his own sporting triumphs – he had completed several Ironman triathlons and was only the 19th person to complete the Arch to Arc Enduroman challenge which included a channel swim - friends and family said Nick was also someone who helped and encouraged everyone, particularly those struggling at the back.

Wife Karen, son Ashley, 21, and daughter Sarah, 18, say they are being comforted by messages of support, not only from the local community but sporting friends across Europe.

Speaking for the family, his younger brother Lee, 43, said: "As a family we have lost a devoted husband, father, son and brother.

"The Enduroman team has lost #19, an achievement Nick was so proud of.

"We are all devastated and shocked that he's lost his life doing something he loved.

"It is awful that his solo channel attempt was so nearly successful but has ultimately ended in tragedy.

"His success and achievements as an endurance athlete will never be forgotten by friends and family and he will be dearly missed by all who loved him."

They said that away from his endurance events Mr Thomas, a local building contractor who ran his own company, was a true family man.

"The family meant everything to him," his brother said.

"He may be gone but Nick will be held in all our hearts forever."

He was also a qualified triathlon coach who trained people across Britain.

He ran the Trismart triathlon club and weekly swimming sessions at Ellesmere mere that regularly attracted 50 or more swimmers.

The family paid tribute to those who were on the support boat during the Channel crossing.

"We would like to thank his support team who tried so valiantly to save him," his brother said.

"The support Nick received throughout his channel attempt was amazing and he loved being part of the Enduroman family too."

Dan Earthquake, a crew member on the boat, said Mr Thomas had been enjoying his channel swim and had trained throughout the winter for the attempt.

He said Mr Thomas had been coping well with the conditions in the channel and said towards the end the conditions had flattened off.

"He didn't go into it casually, but with a lot of thought, diligently and enthusiastically and always with a smile," said Mr Earthquake.

"We swam off Folkestone beach many times, sometimes carrying one kilo rocks in each hand.

"Nick was the measure that people should aspire to when training.

"He would swim fast, for a long way and in all conditions."

The Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation also paid tribute to Mr Thomas.

In a statement, the group said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with Nick, his family and his friends to whom the CS&PF extends our deepest sympathies.

"Nick Thomas started his swim from Samphire Hoe, near Dover, at 5.46pm on Saturday.

"After approximately 16 hours of swimming, Nick fell unconscious and was removed from the water and received immediate resuscitation from qualified and experienced crew.

"The incident occurred at a distance of three quarters of a mile from French shore, in an area between Wissant and Sangatte.

"Nick was subsequently taken to Calais harbour where he was treated by paramedics, before being transferred to Calais hospital.

"Medics continued trying to resuscitate him at Calais hospital, but sadly Nick passed away in the early hours of Sunday.

"Nick's family have been in constant contact with the crew on board, who have now returned to the UK.

"We would like to thank all the crew for their professionalism and care, and also the Foreign Office, who have been handling the issue in France."