Hero dad from Telford died after rescuing children from the sea
A Telford plasterer hailed as a hero drowned in the sea after dashing in to rescue two of his children who were in difficulties on body boards, an inquest heard.
A conclusion of misadventure was recorded on father-of-seven Jonathan Stevens, 36, of Weybridge, Woodside, who died last August after being taken to hospital at Bangor.
Coroner Katie Sutherland, at Caernarfon, said: ”It’s a truly tragic case. In an attempt to save his children he’s lost his life. It highlights the dangers of the sea especially when the conditions appear mild.”
She and Mr Stevens' family thanked those who risked their lives to help the trio in trouble at popular Barmouth in mid Wales where there can be strong currents.
Just before the tragedy, Mr Stevens, who was known affectionately as Jof, had told a man who was on the beach when the children became distressed: ”They are my kids. I have got to do something.”
Off-duty Holyhead coastguard Alex Hill said he had heard screaming in the sea and saw the children struggling in the water.
He said Mr Stevens "came from behind me and ran full sprint into the sea in the direction of the children”.
They were about 70 metres away but apart. Mr Hill had reached a girl.
Seasonal beach warden Jordan Hewlett rescued a boy who thanked him but then said: ”Go find my father.”
He discovered Mr Stevens and pulled him ashore.
Healthy
Mr Stevens’ parents, Raymond and Fay, said in a statement that he was “healthy, fit and very active” and a proud dad.
Their son had been training for a charity boxing event which had been postponed and was a strong swimmer.
“Nobody could have foreseen what was going to happen. He did what any parent would have done,” they added.
The Coastguard, police and several ambulances attended the scene at the beach. Mr Stevens was airlifted to the hospital at Ysbyty Gwynedd, where he died of his injuries.
Members of his family rushed to Wales when they heard what happened.
Mr Stevens grew up in Shrewsbury. His sister Kim Stevens paid tribute last year, describing him as "a dad to seven, an amazing son, and brother to his five sisters".
"He has died a hero for saving his kids' lives and risking his own," she said.
"He will always be remembered as an amazing man, brother, son and dad."
