24-year-old drowns in nine inches of water in freak paddling pool accident

"It's just horrible"

At just 24 years of age, Roan seemingly passed out from heatstroke whilst emptying a pool his nephews and nieces had been swimming in.

His body was found in just nine inches of water.

Arriving at the scene, emergency services attempted CPR despite paramedics being unable to restart Roan's heart. Due to an oxygen-deprived brain, organ failure contributed to his death later on in hospital.

Speaking to MailOnline, Roan's heartbroken father Michael revealed that he and his wife were stuck in traffic on their way back from Devon at the time.

"I'm ripped to pieces, one of my babies is gone. I had four children and now I have three," he said.

"It's like a nightmare I can't wake up from. I have to stay strong for my wife who is in absolute pieces."

Roan's uncle Deklan aided paramedics and held his hand as he died in hospital, while his parents tragically made it to his treatment room 10 minutes later.

"At the age of 24 and he's drowned when his brother is a lifeguard, it just seems so strange to me," continued Michael.

"If he had been swept to sea I would understand more. It's just horrible, I've been an absolute zombie."

Abigail, Roan's sister, has since launched a GoFundMe page in a bid to raise funds for her brother's funeral.

A description reads: "His parents are on benefits due to medical issues and don't have much money available for the funeral. They've applied for help from the DWP [Department for Work and Pensions] but this only covers up to £1,000.

"The price of the funeral we are wanting is only £2,250. It's nothing too big. I know people don't have to help but any help is appreciated more than you can imagine."

£1,955 has been raised of the overall £2,000 target.