New details after death of Karl Holland, 18, at Dovestone

At Rochdale Coroners’ Court on Thursday (July 30), an inquest was opened into the death of Karl Holland, who was pronounced dead at the Oldham beauty spot on the evening of July 10.

Tributes were paid to the teenager, with one person describing his death as “horrible news” while another added it was “such sad news”.

Police coroner’s officer Katie Burrows told the court that Mr Holland, who was born in Tameside and lived on Fir Road in Denton, visited the reservoir with friends on July 10.

Rochdale Coroners’ Court (Image: Newsquest)

The court heard Mr Holland was on an “inflatable mattress” with two others, which slid down the rocks and into the water.

PCO Burrows said Mr Holland’s two friends came out of the water but Mr Holland “didn’t resurface”.

Emergency services attended after 7pm and Mr Holland’s body was retrieved, with resuscitation attempts made.

However, the efforts were “unsuccessful” and Mr Holland, who was said to be single and unemployed, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard there are “no suspicious circumstances” surrounding Mr Holland’s death, with assistant coroner for Manchester North Julie Mitchell saying the cause of the teenager’s death is “pending.”

Tributes made after Mr Holland’s death included one person writing: “Heart is well and truly broken for his little sister, nanna and grandad.

“His mum must have needed him up there. What horrible news this is. May God give you the best bed.”

Another person commented: “RIP Karl, thoughts to your friends and family, such sad news, you’re back with your mummy now.”

Ms Mitchell said a full inquest was necessary and scheduled for it to be held on October 15 this year, with the court requesting a toxicology report.

Ms Mitchell offered her condolences to the family and friends of Mr Holland.

Following Mr Holland’s death, Detective Inspector Steven Horton of Greater Manchester Police’s Oldham district said: “I would like to take this opportunity to remind the public of the dangers of open water.

“We strongly encourage people to stay safe and refrain from entering large bodies of water, including reservoirs, rivers, canals, or ponds.

“Your safety is our priority. Please look after yourselves and enjoy the weather safely.”