Tributes have been paid to a much loved dad who was tragically found dead in a river last Wednesday (June 28). Emergency services were called to the River Roch in Rochdale at around 6.30am to reports of a body in the water.
The man has now been named as dad-of-six Kevin Downes. The 'extremely funny' 36-year-old, who worked as a roofer and was born in Rochdale before moving to Bacup, has been remembered by family and friends.
Paying tribute to the Manchester Evening News, his former partner and mum to four of his children Sarah said: "He was extremely funny and had a brilliant sense of humour.
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"He will be dearly missed by so many. He leaves behind his family and six children, who are all going to miss him."
Friend Claire Thomas also paid an emotional tribute to the 36-year-old, saying: "I didn't know Kevin for that long really, but for the time I did know him he had a bigger impact on my life than any friend I've had.
"I reached out to him when I'd hit rock bottom and was desperate for change. No questions asked, he was there for me phone call or text any time of the day or night.
"I couldn't imagine one day sober at the time and now I'm extremely proud to say I haven't had a drink in over three years. All this was down to Kevin's support and encouragement. Kev may no longer be with us but he's left me with the knowledge to live the life I've always wanted and be happy."
Emergency services closed off St Mary's Gate near Rochdale town centre early on Wednesday morning after they received reports of a body being found in the River Roch. Police, including forensics officers, paramedics and fire crews attended the scene as Kevin's body was pulled out of the water.
Following his death, close family friends will be meeting together in Rossendale on Monday evening (July 3) to release balloons into the air in a memorial to remember the dad-of-six. Rochdale Coroner's Office has also confirmed a file in Kevin's name has been prepared for the coroner.
