Victim of Reighton Gap rip tide incident named as former rugby league player from Lancashire

Rugby clubs in Lancashire have paid tribute to a well-known player who was killed in a rip tide incident at Reighton Gap, near Filey, last week.
By Grace Newton
Published 25th Jul 2021, 09:04 BST
Updated 25th Jul 2021, 09:06 BST
David Fell, front row second from left, in an image posted by former club Salford Red DevilsDavid Fell, front row second from left, in an image posted by former club Salford Red Devils
David Fell, front row second from left, in an image posted by former club Salford Red Devils

David Fell, 55, was holidaying in the area with his family when he and his teenage son and daughter were swept out to sea by a rip current while swimming at the popular beach.

Members of the public managed to pull the two children to safety but Mr Fell, from Wigan, was dragged further out. He was rescued by an RNLI crew and taken to waiting paramedics at Coble Landing in Filey, but could not be saved.

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Mr Fell was a talented rugby player who had played union for Orrell and league professionally for Rochdale Hornets and Salford Red Devils, and represented Lancashire at both codes.

According to Facebook tributes, he was married to wife Fiona and had worked for Royal Mail.

Orrell RUFC said: "Once you play for Orrell you are part of the rugby family and we never forget our family members.

"The club was shocked to hear of the very sad death of David Fell, a former Orrell RUFC player. David also played rugby league with Salford and Rochdale Hornets in the 1980s and 1990s."

Related topics:LancashireFileyOrrell

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