Weston-super-Mare Man Dies After 'Tombstoning' At Quarry

HUNDREDS of friends have been paying their respects on Facebook to Weston-super-Mare man Dean Mason who died at the weekend.

Dean, 19, from the resort, died at at Holcombe Quarry on Saturday.

It is believed the teenager who grew up in Sea Mills, Bristol had been swimming at the site but tragically died.

 

Avon & Somerset Police Force are reiterating warnings about playing in open water after the underwater search team recovered the body yesterday.

They say the victim had been playing with friends at the site and failed to surface after jumping into the quarry.

Officers are warning teenagers about the dangers about 'tombstoning' - a trend which has been publicised on Facebook and YouTube.

Inspector Jo Ross said: "Holcombe Quarry is private property and is fenced off because it is extremely dangerous.

"Although it is tempting to jump into cool water in the hot weather, I would urge people not to jump into the unknown.

"Submerged objects like rocks may not be visible, and can cause serious injury or death if you jump onto them.

"Equally the shock of the cold water can be just as harmful and make it difficult to swim. Don't let alcohol, drugs or peer pressure affect your judgement."

Dean, who had a sister and a brother, was recently accepted for the army and his other interests included fishing, motocross and raving.

Hundreds of friends have paid tribute to Dean on Facebook.

One reads "R.I.P Dean x You will be Deeply missed x When we heard the news we couldn't believe it! :( Such a tragedy! Taken way too young! :( Our thoughts go out to your family and friends xxx"

Another says "R.I.P Dean, going to be really missed by loads of people. Regards to all the family who are suffering a great loss x"

Dean's death comes just a couple weeks after the Mineral Products Association launched its Stay Safe campaign, which aims to warn of the dangers of quarries. 

MPA Chief Executive Nigel Jackson says: “Quarries are safe places for the trained people who work there but there are some very real dangers for anyone who enters a quarry uninvited.

"Our members are doing all they can in terms of fencing and raising awareness – our appeal to parents, teachers and anyone else who influences young people is to help us ensure that the message gets across.

“The willingness to take risk is a common theme with teenagers who are killed or injured in quarries. Our aim this year is to persuade young people to understand that taking those risks could cost them their lives, sacrificing in a moment all the good things that lie ahead of them. It will also devastate the lives of their families and friends."

Did you know Dean? Please post your kind messages on here to show your respects.