A tragic incident unfolded on July 26 at Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall, resulting in the drowning of a father and daughter who were on a family holiday. John Peter Collins, aged 66, and his daughter, Samantha Adele Collins, 32, both from Doncaster, lost their lives after a heart-wrenching attempt to rescue Samantha from the sea.
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According to reports, the family was fishing when Samantha was unexpectedly swept away by a strong wave. John Collins bravely entered the water in an attempt to save her. Unfortunately, both were subsequently pronounced dead at the scene after being pulled from the water. The initial emergency services call was made around 9:45 p.m., revealing the harrowing nature of the rescue attempt and the rapid response required.
Witnesses have described the events of that evening in detail. Jamie Stockwell, who attempted to help Samantha, noted that he jumped into the water fully clothed, underestimating the swell’s strength. He recounted how Samantha’s boyfriend attempted to pull her from the water while they both tried to administer CPR for approximately ten minutes but were unsuccessful. Stockwell further highlighted the emotional turmoil faced by Samantha’s partner during the incident.
Another bystander, Sand Phoenix, also came to the aid of the Collins. He reported using an adrenaline pen on John, who was unconscious and struggling to breathe, but sadly, it appeared that John’s lungs were filled with water. The resuscitation efforts by these well-meaning individuals, despite their best intentions, were unable to save either John or Samantha from the tragic fate that awaited them.
The deaths were officially confirmed during a hearing at Cornwall Coroner’s Court, held on August 4. Assistant coroner Emma Hillson stated that a provisional cause of death for both individuals was drowning. Hillson expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding their deaths, suggesting the possibility of an unnatural cause given the specific details.
Samantha’s handbag, described as orange or peach and containing items of sentimental value, was thought to have been in her possession at the time she entered the sea. Police have expressed hope that anyone who might find the handbag will return it, stating it would provide “great comfort” to the grieving family if they could be reunited with such personal belongings.
Autopsies were conducted on July 29, following the recovery and identification of their bodies by Adele Collins, John’s wife and Samantha’s mother. The coroner subsequently suspended the hearing until July 19, 2027, announcing that a joint inquest would take place, allowing for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.
As family members mourn their loss, the local community in Doncaster and beyond has expressed sorrow over the tragic accident. Moments like these serve as poignant reminders of the unpredictability and inherent risks of seaside activities, particularly in conditions that can quickly become dangerous.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the events leading up to the incident, and onlookers have been encouraged to lend any assistance they can in locating the handbag, which remains a valuable item for Samantha’s family.