29 May 2024 , 21:42
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Heartbreaking tributes have been pouring in for an "amazing" dad-to-be who tragically lost his life in a water rescue.
Junaid Athar, who was 26 years old, died after being pulled from a brook in Cheadle, Greater Manchester on Sunday evening.
Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of a 'person in need of rescue' in water at around 8pm. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Junaid, who was expecting a child with his partner, later died.
Junaid, a resident of the Cheadle area and a former student at Nottingham Trent University, has been remembered by loved ones as an "amazing" man with a "cheeky smile".
His sister Natasha Athar - who has set up a GoFundMe page - said that Junaid's sudden death came as he was preparing to be a father for his unborn child.
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The 26-year-old was soon to become a father to his unborn child, his sister said (LinkedIn)She wrote on the page: "Junaid Athar was a 26-year-old young man into fitness, MMA and part of a beautiful community that he would lighten up wherever he went; wanting nothing but the positive energy and life. He sadly lost his life on May 26th through drowning in a marsh in Cheadle. It was so sudden and he was soon to become a father to his unborn child. He has left behind dreams, a child and widow, nieces and nephews. A whole community have lost their light."
Also paying tribute, his childhood friend Usman told the Manchester Evening News: "Junaid was a lovely guy who I grew up with alongside his two brothers and sister. I went to mosque to learn the Quraan with Junaid. He always had a smile on his face even when he was in trouble with our mosque teacher. May Allah grant him the highest station of heaven ameen."
Mr Athar's death has been referred to the coroner (JMG Press)His friend Omar added: "Gone too soon. I'm sat here devastated with the thought I'll never speak to you again. You was like my little brother that I could talk to anytime. I wish I had the chance to just hang out with you one more time. You was loyal and honest and always had a great story to tell. Your energy level lit up every room you was in and always made me laugh. Rest in peace."
Tributes also flooded in across social media, as Louise Williams wrote: "Absolutely heartbreaking. I will never forget that cheeky smile of yours rest in peace Junaid". Jess Lynch posted: "This is heartbreaking, rest in peace Junaid. Such a nice guy taken too soon."
Mr Athar's death has been referred to the coroner. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 7.50pm on Sunday 26 May, officers received a report regarding the concern for the welfare of a man in water just off Broadway, Cheadle. Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services, a man was pronounced dead shortly after. There are no suspicious circumstances and a coronial investigation is ongoing."
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.