Inquest opens into death of dad-to-be pulled from brook

An inquest into the death of a dad-to-be pulled from a brook has opened. Junaid Athar was tragically found in water off Wilmslow Road in Cheadle, Stockport, last month.

Emergency services raced to reports of a 'person in need of rescue' at around 8pm on Sunday, May 26. Police, fire crews and paramedics attended the incident beside Brookfields Park.

Water rescue teams were called in to help. Junaid, 26, was sadly later found in the water. He was expecting a child with his partner.

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A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 7.50pm on Sunday 26 May, officers received a report regarding the concern for the welfare of a man in water just off Broadway, Cheadle. Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services, a man was pronounced dead shortly after. There are no suspicious circumstances and a coronial investigation is ongoing."

An inquest Junaid's death was opened and adjourned at Stockport Coroners' Court on Wednesday morning (June 19) by senior coroner Alison Mutch. Police coroner's officer Laura Taylor told the brief hearing Junaid was born in Manchester and was living in Cheadle at the time of his death. He was a personal trainer.

Ms Taylor said Junaid was identified by his mother at Wythenshawe Hospital on May 26. Ms Mutch said she was awaiting toxicology reports to establish a cause of death, but confirmed Junaid was 'recovered from the water'.

She set a review date for September 5 and scheduled a full inquest for November 5. Following the news of Junaid's death, hundreds of people paid tribute on social media. He was fondly remembered as an 'amazing' man with a 'cheeky smile', known for 'lighting up every room'.

His sister Natasha Athar, set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for a memorial at the brook and to help support them lay him to rest. She said Junaid's sudden passing came as he was preparing to be a father for his unborn child.

"Junaid Athar was a 26-year-old young man into fitness, MMA and part of a beautiful community that he would lighten up wherever he went; wanting nothing but the positive energy and life," she wrote.

"He sadly lost his life on May 26th through drowning in a marsh in Cheadle. It was so sudden and he was soon to become a father to his unborn child. He has left behind dreams, a child and widow, nieces and nephews. A whole community have lost their light,” the page added.

Also paying tribute, his childhood friend Usman told the Manchester Evening News: "Junaid was a lovely guy who I grew up with alongside his two brothers and sister. I went to mosque to learn the Quraan with Junaid. He always had a smile on his face even when he was in trouble with our mosque teacher. May Allah grant him the highest station of heaven ameen."

Friend Omar said: "Gone too soon. I'm sat here devastated with the thought I'll never speak to you again. You was like my little brother that I could talk to anytime. I wish I had the chance to just hang out with you one more time. You was loyal and honest and always had a great story to tell. Your energy level lit up every room you was in and always made me laugh. Rest in peace."