Tribute to man in canoe tragedy

The widow of an experienced Black Country canoeist killed in a Cornish river gorge today paid tribute to him as a "much-loved and dedicated" husband and father.

Father-of-three David Smith, aged 49, died on New Year's Day after falling from his canoe as he navigated his way down a steep-sided gorge along the River Fowey at Golitha Falls.

Mr Smith, of Stourbridge, was one of two members of Bewdley-based Wyre Forest Canoe Club killed in separate accidents in 24 hours. Steve Wall, 48, of Ludlow, died in the River Teme in Shropshire on Monday.

The tragedy involving Mr Smith, an insurance claims assessor, happened during a holiday in Cornwall.

Police say he is believed to have been canoeing alone.

Mr Smith was a qualified canoeist with 16 years' experience, said his wife, Vanessa, who has returned home to Oldswinford. She added: "David was a much-loved and dedicated husband and father."

Mr Smith was pulled from the river after police received reports that a canoeist was clinging to a rock at Draynes, near Liskeard, at around 3.30pm.

Mrs Smith said: "The family would like to thank the emergency services, who were absolutely fantastic."

Fellow member of the canoe club, Steve Wall, was pulled from the water near a weir at Bromfield, near Ludlow after getting into difficulty on Monday. Club chairman Eric Buchan said members were "in shock" over the deaths.