Police name man who died in triathlon

Stephen Newton, 45, had travelled from his home in Teddington, Middlesex, to compete in the NYP Tri event at Ripon Racecourse on Saturday when the tragedy happened.

He began to get into difficulties after about two-thirds of the 1,500-metre swim, which formed the initial stage of the contest.

Safety officials in canoes on the lake had already asked Mr Newton if he needed help but he declined their offer of assistance before he was then spotted floating motionless in the water.

He was taken ashore on a boat supplied by Ripon Diving Club, before an ambulance crew gave him first aid. Mr Newton was then taken by ambulance to Harrogate District Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned.