Simon Daniels’ body was recovered from Dovestone Reservoir on Wednesday (October 23) following a four-day search.
Simon, from Winsford, Cheshire, had reportedly fallen off an inflatable paddleboard alongside another woman on Sunday (October 20) after the pair got into difficulty in the water.
Emergency services were able to come to the aid of the woman but a widespread search was launched to find Simon.
At 6.15pm on Wednesday, the police underwater search team found a body which has been formally identified as Simon.
His family have now issued a touching tribute to the man who they described as “having the power to bring everyone together”.
The family said: “Simon is our world, he’s funny, unpredictable and has a heart as big as an ocean.
“His larger-than-life and his crazy personality lit up every room and his love, kindness and inspiration touched so many people who he met.
“Simon was a friend to everyone, nobody was a stranger in his eyes.
“His passions were fitness and the gym and helping others to become the best version of themselves.
“His heart was pure and he was unapologetically himself. Funny doesn’t cut it. He was hilarious.
“He had this power to bring everyone together. He just wanted everyone to be friends.
“He loved life and even at the darkest of times he still managed to light up the room.
“The community have also shown how much they loved Simon, church bells have rang in his memory along with fireworks.
“We had no idea how popular and inspirational he was in our local community.”
Simon’s family have asked for privacy while they grieve his loss.
A report is now being prepared for the coroner.
