Tributes to Sheffield man David Lowe after diving tragedy on Great Barrier Reef 'trip of a lifetime'

David Lowe with wife June and with Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvahal. Photo: Rhian Lowe/Facebook

David Lowe, from Richmond, was on the 'trip of a lifetime' scuba diving off the Great Barrier Reef when he was found on the ocean floor without his breathing apparatus in his mouth on Friday.

He was pulled out of the sea and paramedics attempted to resuscitate him, but the 60-year-old died despite their best efforts.

Scores of people paid tribute to Mr Lowe on The Star's Facebook page. And his daughter Rhian Lowe asked fans of his 'beloved' Sheffield Wednesday to hold a minute's applause at the Owls' next home game.

Posting on the club's Facebook page she wrote: "No words can describe how much pain we are feeling right now.

"He loved his beloved Sheffield Wednesday, attending every home game alongside my beautiful mother.

"He was amazed just last week as he boarded the plane to fly out to Australia to be sat just across from Carlos (Carvahal, Owls manager)!

"He rang me once he landed in Dubai to stop off, buzzing that he had the chance to speak with him.

"This journey of a lifetime was supposed to be for three weeks to celebrate him just turning 60 and has been cut short by this devastating tragedy.

"He was a wonderful man, my father - a devoted husband and all around family man. He's our hero."

Another of Mr Lowe's daughters Jade Wade posted: "RIP Dave my world, you are so loved! Thank you for making my mum happy for 24 years."

Graham Puckering wrote: "RIP Dave, you were and always will be a top bloke. You made all those that know you smile. You're a great husband, dad and granddad. Fly safe with the angels pal."

And Sheda Savage said: "Devastated. As we all are who knew and loved you. RIP my beautiful, beautiful friend."

A Sheffield Wednesday spokesman said: "We are in contact with a friend of the family and we will be marking Dave’s passing on the giant screen and in the programme for our next home game, against Preston on December 3.

"We also explained that we will be honouring the loss of all those from the Wednesday family in 2016 with a minute’s applause prior to kick-off at the final home game of the calendar year, against Rotherham on December 17."

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