Heartbreaking tributes paid to three men killed after 4x4 plunged into River Esk

29 December 2023 , 20:59

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Leslie Forbes, 70, (left) Scott Daddy, 28, (centre) and Patrick Hibbins, 59 (right)

Friends and family have paid tribute to three men who died after the 4x4 they were travelling in plummeted into the River Esk yesterday.

Police have identified the three men as Scott Thomas Daddy, from Hull; Leslie Forbes, from East Yorkshire; and Patrick Hibbins, from York.

Emergency services were called to the River Esk near Glaisdale in the North York Moors national park on Thursday morning after a car was seen in the water. Police have now confirmed that three men were found inside and tragically were pronounced dead.

Scott, 28, was described as a "loving son, brother, uncle and boyfriend." A statement issued by North Yorkshire Police on behalf of his family read: "[He was] always helping others, 4x4, green laning, scouting and outdoor activities, passionate Hull FC supporter and a big circle of friends.

"He was taken suddenly doing something he enjoyed, but too early. He had a big future ahead of him. He will always be missed by his loving family."

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Leslie, 70, was said to be a "loving husband, father and grandfather, who will be sadly missed by his family and friends", the press release added. Patrick, 59, "will be sadly missed by all his close friends and work colleagues".

The force added that the families have asked for privacy "at this extremely difficult time".

Following the tragedy yesterday, a car has now been recovered from the river. A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said a fourth man has been given medical treatment after he tried heroically to pull the vehicle from the river.

The force spokesperson said the tragic incident was reported at 11.48am with fire, ambulance, partner agencies and police teams in attendance. "Air support was also scrambled to the location," police said.

"The vehicle was recovered from the river by the fire service just after 3pm. Sadly, the three men inside have died. Another man who attempted to help those in the 4x4 was pulled to safety from the river at around 12.10pm. He has been receiving medical treatment.

"Next of kin are currently being informed about the tragic incident and specialist support is being provided by the police. More information will be released in due course. In the meantime, witnesses to the incident are urged to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, option 4, quoting reference NYP-28122023-0146."

Ryan Fahey