Dads sometimes do the funniest things to make their kids laugh. They like to show off their strengths and share their signature dad jokes, too. But one dad's stunt went wrong, which turned a seemingly harmless father-and-son bonding into one of the saddest moments for the family.
Behind the Smile that 'Lit up the room'
"Lee had the biggest smile that could light up the room," reads the family tribute. "He always had a smile for all of us," said another tribute by a friend, Bury Times UK reported.
Fifty-four-year-old roofer Lee Ainsley was bonding with his son in Radcliffe when the dad died. Later, reports revealed that he struggled with alcoholism, depression, and divorce from his wife of more than 20 years.
It was around 3 p.m., and they were in a once beautiful spot by the Red Bank Lodges when Ainsley and his adult son, Dwayn Sutherland, were seen talking. The pair were exchanging jokes when Ainsley had the idea to swim across the pond.
Ainsley was seen confidently getting into the water as he was eager to show his adult son that he was still fit and strong at his age. His son recounts how his father quickly removed his boots and did not want anyone to stop him.
Sutherland tried to convince his dad, who was nearing his senior years, not to get into the water. He added how he was unsure if his dad was a strong swimmer.
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Son Plays Along, Regrets Decision
After Sutherland's attempts to stop his father fell into deaf ears, he decided to live in the moment. He took out his phone and took a video of his dad. In a proud moment, Sutherland captured his dad swimming across the large pond near Kirkstall Gardens and Red Bank, Radcliffe.
Suddenly, the 54-year-old stopped swimming. His head went underwater around 2 meters from the embankment. Sutherland worried when his father's head did not come back up. So, he jumped into the water himself in an attempt to save his father.
But, after nearly 5 minutes of searching for his father, Sutherland came back to the embankment and called emergency services, Manchester Evening News reported.
Witness Reveals Truth About the Incident
Charlotte Womack witnessed the entire scenario from the window of her home in Kirkstall Gardens. She told the police that she, too, called emergency services.
According to the witness, the 54-year-old alcoholic dad died shortly after getting in the water. Womack said Ainsley looked like he tired out quickly. "He tried moving his arms but made no progress until his head went fully underwater," the witness revealed.
Womack added how the adult son was first seen laughing until his dad disappeared into the water. She noted seeing panic and distress in the son's appearance as he shouted for his dad.
North West Ambulance Service quickly dispatched rescue for the call category one, a situation with the highest level of seriousness. Firefighters, paramedics, and the police searched for the body for over 4 hours but could not find him.
What caused his death?
According to Sutherland, he and his father had some alcohol that day. Post mortem investigation showed Ainsley drunk heavily that day. Alcohol levels traced in his body was three times the legal drinking limit while driving.
The coroner's report revealed Ainsley's death was an accident, Metro UK reported. He drowned after losing muscular coordination. The cold water and the presence of alcohol in his system overpowered his ability to swim.
