David Alan Kirwan had been visiting the impressive natural beauty at Yellowstone National Park when he rushed into the thermal spring — he would die one day later

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A man endured what is believed to be one of the “worst deaths imaginable” after he dove into a boiling hot thermal lake to save his friend’s dog.

He would end up passing away in hospital due to the severity of his burns just one day later.

David Alan Kirwan jumped headfirst into the thermal spring to save his friend’s dog, Moosie, who had also jumped in to swim in the water.

In an act of true heroism, Kirwan ignored all warnings about the safety of the spring and jumped in to save her.

However, his actions eventually turned out to be in vain, as Moosie was never rescued — either by Kirwan himself or by investigators over the coming days.

Kirwan was burned alive as a result of the dive and suffered horrifying injuries before his death.

Back in 1981, Kirwan was walking through the impressive natural structures of Yellowstone National Park. He had been walking through the park with good friend Ronald Ratliff and his dog, Moosie, according to JOE.

However, what was meant to be a pleasant walk through the magnificent natural park soon turned into a nightmare as they passed the Celestine Spring, a well-known thermal spring in the park.

With temperatures in the spring reaching well over 200°F (93°C), it is known for being a dangerous lake as it pumps out heat straight from the Earth’s core.

Moosie, clearly excited at the pool of water jumped into the hot spring, leaving Ronald and David immediately unsure what to do.

David quickly decided, however, that they needed to save the dog and jumped into the spring to rescue Moosie, who was a mixed-breed boxer.

He dove headfirst into the boiling water of the spring, and immediately began to feel the effects of the near-boiling temperatures. The 24-year-old tried to steady himself as he swam to reach the dog, but soon went underwater himself as he tried to bring the dog to safety.

Ronald, for his part, tried to help haul David out of the water himself, eventually managing to haul him to safety. However, Ronald would go on to suffer serious second-degree burns to his feet as a result.

But David, who dived straight into the hot water, suffered far worse than his friend. The heat of the water had melted David’s skin and when a park ranger tried to take off his shoe, his skin came with it.

The move also left David entirely blinded, as a clearly injured Kirwan screamed out in pain. He could be heard asking: “That was stupid. How bad am I? That was a stupid thing I did.”

He was taken to a hospital in nearby Salt Lake City, where doctors found third-degree burns across the entirety of his body. David fought for his life but died from his injuries the following day.

In a heartbreaking tribute to his son, dad James Kirwan described David as a kind and caring person. He explained: “He liked dogs and when the dog went in, his friend told him not to go in after her, but David went in.”

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The Port Talbot-born actor is currently filming a production he said allows him to ‘return to my Welsh roots’

Welsh acting legend Sir Anthony Hopkins has been drawing crowds during filming in a Welsh town. The two-time Oscar winner is appearing in A Visit To Grandpa’s, an adaptation of the coming-of-age tale by Welsh writer and poet Dylan Thomas.

Filming is taking place in and around Dolgellau, Gwynedd, with road closures in place this week. Sections of the town have been redesigned for the production, and on Thursday Anthony Hopkins was spotted on set.

Ian King, of photography.wales, captured the renowned Welshman in the town, reports North Wales Live. He posted on his Dolgellau Facebook page: “Sir Anthony Hopkins filming in Dolgellau this afternoon. I saw him later in the Marian car part talking with people and having photos taken.”

Councillor Linda Morgan was amongst those who had the opportunity to meet the star today. Make sure you never miss Wales’ biggest updates by getting our daily newsletter

She said: “I am really pleased they have chosen Dolgellau for the filming. Very exciting put Dolgellau on the map again. Very well organised. It was great to meet Sir Anthony Hopkins.”

The film follows a young boy who spends a summer on a secluded Welsh farm with his charismatic grandfather, discovering a world of imagination and mischief.

Directed by D.J. Caruso, the production stars Anthony Hopkins as the eccentric grandfather. The cast also includes Artie Wilkinson-Hunt as the boy, Aimee-Ffion Edwards as the mother, Aneurin Barnard as The Hunter, and Celyn Jones as Mr. Griff.

Speaking about the film, the Port Talbot-born actor commented: “This is a powerful and profoundly beautiful story, one that allows me to return to my Welsh roots while exploring the remarkable vision and prose of Dylan Thomas. It is a privilege to collaborate once again with DJ, with whom I share a deep creative bond.”

Manchester City sensation Antoine Semenyo has rejected the assertion that Erling Haaland doesn’t have a rounded enough game. The Norwegian blew Premier League opponents away when he first arrived in England but has since been increasingly scrutinised.

Haaland, 25, has already matched the Premier League goal tally that saw him clinch last season’s Golden Boot (22). And it would be a safe bet to assume he’ll add even more to that total between now and the end of the campaign.

He’s been called on to contribute even more around City’s game as they look to take the title edge off Arsenal this Sunday. But January signing Semenyo already sees the major benefit of playing alongside such an accomplished force up front.

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“He’s a big problem,” he told In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet. “Just in the games, when people mark him; it’s not just one person marking him, it’s like three people.

“It’s like [relieved expression] the space for everyone else is fantastic. But he causes so many problems. He’s tall, fast, can finish. [He’s] essentially the complete striker. Anything in the box, he’ll score.”

While he may have become a fan of his team-mate since leaving Bournemouth, Semenyo isn’t getting ahead of himself in his Haaland appreciation. And he stopped short of putting his colleague on too high a pedestal when asked where he ranks among the best Premier League strikers of all time.

“That’s a tough question,” he replied. “He’ll be up there, for sure. His numbers are a scandal. Forty-one goals in one season.”

He continued: “It’s not even just his goalscoring. What he does for the team, not many people see it but he’s so important.

“Just holding up the ball, bringing players into play, massively important to our game. He can do a lot of things, I’ll give him that.”

The former Premier League Player of the Year will be expected to put all those attributes on display this Sunday. City host Arsenal with a chance to close the gap at the top of the table to just three points, with a game in hand still to play.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Semenyo also believes his side are playing the Gunners at the right time following a run of just one win in five games: “Our form over the last couple of games has been good and we’re playing probably the best football we’ve played in the second half of the season.

“So it’s a good time to play them, I guess. Where they’ve dipped in form, we’ve picked up form, so it’ll be interesting.”

ANTOINE SEMENYO EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: Subscribe now to be the first to watch the latest episodes of In The Mixer and other original shows, brought to you by Sky Bet. Watch All Out Football’s episode with Antoine Semenyo here.

The government has provided funding for a year-long study into electric autonomous vehicles

A road designated for self-driving vehicles could form part of plans for the expansion of a Cambridgeshire science park. Wellcome Genome Campus is investigating the potential for a dedicated route for electric autonomous vehicles between its Hinxton-based site and Whittlesford Parkway railway station.

The campus said it had received funding from the government to carry out a year-long study. It aims to create a safe, sustainable, and reliable way for people travelling to and from the campus.

Robert Evans, Chief Executive campus, said it would be “game-changing” for the site. He continued: “As we progress with our major expansion – which will see our Campus triple in size over the next 10-15 years – we are looking at new transport solutions that support sustainable growth and better connectivity.”

The campus runs shuttle buses and coaches to and from Whittlesford Parkway. A spokesperson for the Wellcome Genome Campus said a dedicated road for the autonomous vehicles would make it easier for workers and visitors to reach the campus, offer predictable journey times, and help to cut congestion and emissions.

The proposed road could enable a controlled environment for the self-driving vehicles without mixing in normal traffic. The study is funded as part of the CAM Pathfinder Programme by UK Government.

Our analysis of rainfall data shows that parts of East Anglia and the south-east of England have been very dry.

Across the county of Essex, around a fifth of the rain we’d usually expect by this time in spring has actually fallen.

In the month of March, rainfall was broadly below average in eastern and south-east England, April has started even drier.

According to Met Office data, between 1 – 14 April there has only been 4.5mm of rain compared to the average of around 20mm for the time of the year

In contrast, Western Scotland has had around double of its normal April rainfall so far.

During March things were broadly average across Scotland but a succession of weather systems in April has brought a lot of rainfall.

Looking just at April, an average of 70mm fell across the whole of Scotland compared to the 40mm you’d usually expect at this stage of the month.

While a lot can change in the second half of spring, the mostly dry weather is likely to continue into next week.

Droughts and hosepipe bans featured widely in 2025 after the driest spring in 50 years and the hottest summer on record.

But in late March 2026 – after one of the wettest winters since 1836 – the Environment Agency confirmed that eastern England the last region still in ‘recovery’ to ‘normal’ conditions.

The Mayor’s Community Fund, supporting projects across the region with grants from £500 to £30,000, closes to applications on Thursday, April 23.

Jo Coles, deputy mayor for policing, fire and crime, said: “The Mayor’s Community Fund provides valuable support for groups and organisations across the region, supporting 47 projects over the last two years.

“Last year, David Skaith, the Mayor, doubled the size of this pot, delivering more early intervention and prevention and creating more safe community spaces.

“If you have a project that will help to keep our communities safe and requires support, we would love to hear from you.”

The fund, focused on community safety, supports prevention and early intervention projects.

Recent recipients include the Pathfinders U17 driving course, which delivered a week of practical training at Rufforth Airfield for 36 young people and their parents.

Ian Goring, Yorkshire coordinator at Pathfinders U17, said: “We have been delighted by how many young people have signed up to attend our events.”

Further funding rounds will open later in the year.

To find out more information or apply, visit yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk. 

WHAT could be nicer in spring than lunch in a peaceful green space with trees bursting into blossom and spring bulbs in full bloom?

With this thought in mind, I headed to Explore’s Reading Café at Rowntree Park to taste test their new lunch menu.

When Explore took over the café at Rowntree Park back in 2012 the vision was to create a new type of library experience, bringing together great books and great food in a beautiful and tranquil setting.

Rowntree Park Reading Café has been a huge success from the beginning, with customers valuing the mix of café and library services.

The café was busy, but I found a comfortable corner seat and enjoyed watching the customers – a lively mix of local residents, young families and teens (it was still the middle of the Easter holidays). I ordered a quiche with a Greek salad, and on the special recommendation of café manager Gosia, a refreshing mango matcha latte with coconut milk.

Quiche and salad at the Rowntree Park Reading Room cafe. Photo from Explore York

When my lunch arrived it was delicious – pillowy, tomato-flecked quiche with tender thin pastry and a crisp salad featuring a tasty mixture of leaves, peppers, onions and crumbled feta cheese. The latte was a real taste of spring, the matcha flavour a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the mango pulp, as well as being a visual work of art.

Susan Brook from Explore has oversight of all the Explore cafes and works with her team to make sure that menus keep up with changing tastes. She was excited to show me some of the new gluten free range she is introducing this spring, after being inspired at a recent food and drink show.

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“We are introducing a full gluten free menu at Rowntree Park in the coming weeks, with really good quality breads”, she said “And we’ll have a new gluten-free range at all our other cafes too. I am sure our customers are going to love it, and I’m really happy that we can offer a wider range of choices for everyone, whatever their dietary needs, in all our cafes”

Serious coffee aficionados are in her sights as well, “We’ve got brand new coffee machines at York, Hungate and Tang Hall, and our new coffee supplier – Dancing Goat – will be providing a variety of speciality coffees throughout the year alongside our regular brews.”

A cosy corner at Rowntree Park Reading cafe

You can also grab an ice cream to enjoy as you wander through Rowntree Park with a wide selection from Yorvale. Flavours such as vanilla, chocolate, cookie dough, strawberry, mint choc chip, bubble gum and salted caramel are always available, with some specials over summer including red cherry, rum & raisin and coconut.

And if all those delights are not enough to tempt you, Susan is also planning a Family Fun Day at Rowntree Park on Saturday, May 23 with a specially designed treasure hunt, foodie prizes, sunflower planting, and of course, a chance to sample treats from the café.

Explore’s reading cafes are all designed to be welcoming, affordable spaces offering high-quality, locally-sourced products. All are family-friendly, offering children’s books and play areas, and dogs are welcome in the outdoor spaces. Four cafés are in libraries, with two standalone reading cafes at Rowntree Park and Hungate. All cafés provide free wifi and seasonal menus that include fresh, local ingredients. New menu items are introduced each month and options for vegetarians, vegans, and other dietary needs are always available. Right now, you can enjoy springtime specials including delicious quiches, salads, and wraps.

Gluten Free treats at the Reading Cafe. Photo by Explore York

Plus, with a prepaid café card, you can save 30per cent on hot drinks, or with a YorkCard you can save 10 per cent. Takeaway is available too.

Discover Explore’s Reading Cafés:

Retreat from the crowds, enjoy a quality coffee, and maybe even pick up your next great read. Even better while you’re enjoying a flat white at one of these cafés, you’re supporting York’s libraries and archives directly, as all profits go to them.

Rowntree Park Reading Café:

Surrounded by nature in Rowntree Park with lovely views, this vibrant café is perfect for all ages. It serves breakfast and seasonal dishes daily, and also offers a full library service with books to borrow. It’s open on bank holidays and you can even host special events here in this community-friendly space.

Hungate Reading Café:

Located within the Hungate residential area and just a short walk from the Shambles, this stylish urban café is a hidden gem. It offers hot and cold drinks, handmade sandwiches, wraps, and cakes, with a good selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes.

Enjoy a Yorvale ice cream at the Rowntree Park Reading Cafe. Photo by Explore York

Acomb Explore Reading Café:

This welcoming café on Front Street has a children’s area and an enclosed garden. It serves hot and cold drinks, handmade sandwiches, baked potatoes, and freshly baked cakes.

Tang Hall Explore Reading Café:

A modern, inviting café in the Centre@Burnholme with a strong community feel. It serves hot and cold drinks, handmade sandwiches, and cakes. The covered outdoor terrace is popular with cyclists, walkers, and dog walkers.

York Explore Reading Café:

This popular spot, inside York Explore Library, is ideal for informal meetings. It features an exhibition space with rotating art displays and offers a wide selection of drinks, wraps, sandwiches, and cakes.

Clifton Explore Reading Café:

A bright, airy café at Clifton Explore Centre with an outdoor terrace and a community-designed garden with play areas for children.

Opening hours for all cafes can be found on Explore’s website exploreyork.org.uk/cafes

Gillian Holmes is the Communications Officer at Explore York

Geeta Sharma, who used to run SGF in Ferryhill which later became a Go Local, tragically died on Saturday, April 11, at the age of 67.

Geeta, who was married to husband Satish, known as Simon, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) shortly after retiring in September 2023.

Alongside being at the helm of the Ferryhill shop, Geeta was also a devoted mum to six children, Nickyta, Poonam, Sheena, Misha, Karishma and Shivam.

Her daughter Sheena, 39, has paid tribute to her mum.

Sheena said her mum was ‘loving’ and ‘selfless’ (Image: SHEENA SHARMA)

She said: “She was more like a friend than a mum. She was really approachable with any problems we had; you were never ashamed to go to her for any advice or guidance.

“She was really loving and selfless. She always put us first and sacrificed so much in her life for all of us. She was always pushing us to do our best; she always used to say if we were one step ahead of her, she knew she succeeded in life.

“My little brother, Shivam, was the last one to graduate and she was so proud she had managed to get all the children through education.

“Shop life isn’t easy; it’s hard work and a lot of hours. We didn’t come from a very fortunate background, so we did struggle. But although my mum and dad struggled, they always put us first.”

Sheena’s parents owned the shop for more than 30 years and when they retired they moved to the Midlands – but not before the Ferryhill community threw a street party.

Geeta with her husband and six children (Image: SHEENA SHARMA)

Sheena said: “My mum and dad hadn’t just seen families grow up, but even saw their children have children. They were very much integrated within the community.

“The shop was like a central hub for a lot of people; it wasn’t just a place where people bought things. If anyone had any problems or concerns, it was a bit of a drop-in place.”

Sheena, who lives in Darlington, described her mum is being selfless.

She said: “My mum didn’t see her own mum for 16 years and when they could finally afford to go back to India, my mum sent me and my two older sisters. She was completely selfless.”

Geeta, who was originally from India, moved to the UK with her husband Satish, who was born in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1979. And Geeta was known for hosting an incredible Christmas.

Geeta was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in September 2023 (Image: SHEENA SHARMA)

Geeta and Satish got married in India in 1979 (Image: SHEENA SHARMA)

“We all used to love Christmas, my mum would make it really special,” she said.

“Although we are Indian and Hindu, my parents wanted to integrate with where we lived. Christmas was always a big thing around ours. Other people used to feel confused that we would still celebrate Christmas in the same way.

“Our parents didn’t want us to feel isolated, but she would always make it really special. She was a really good cook.”

Geeta’s food was so good that people would always know when she was cooking. She would also cook curries for her customers too.

Geeta and Satish moved to the Midlands in September 2023, but Sheena said the North East was always home for her mum.

Geeta and Satish owned a shop in Ferryhill for more than 30 years (Image: SHEENA SHARMA)

“She would always ask me to connect with some of the customers, she used to love TikTok and Facebook. She’d send the customers messages and always wanted to hear how they were doing,” she said.

“She always used to say the North East felt like home. I think a large part of her heart was left in the North East.

“She missed everyone. The people in Ferryhill are so nice, they have a big heart. We didn’t realise how fortunate we were until we moved away to be surrounded by people like that.”

Following her MND diagnosis, Sheena said the entire family were devastated.

She said: “We were not fully aware of what MND was until mum was diagnosed, it is a really cruel condition. It takes everything away from a patient apart from the cognitive functions in the eyes.

A family wedding (Image: SHEENA SHARMA)

“She never had the time to enjoy life after working. She was really sad when we moved to the Midlands that she was not ever able to go back to Ferryhill to see the locals and the customers because of her mobility.”

And Sheena said the family were “astonished” at how many people had commented on her mum’s passing.

“It has been really nice that so many people, who we have been away from for a couple of years, still have a lot of love and respect for my mum.

“It shows how much she meant to the community and how many customers valued going into the shop to see her.

“We call her the queen of our family, but she literally was a little queen. She melted everyone’s heart.”

Following the news of her death, Ferryhill residents paid tribute to the much-loved former shop owner.

One said: “Such a big part of Dean Bank. Sending love to you all at this sad time, absolutely lovely lady. RIP Geeta.”

Another added: “So sorry to hear this. Geeta was lovely always had a smile for you, condolences to Simon & family.”

One resident said she would be missed by “so many”, adding: “I am thinking of you all at this difficult time. It is an honour to have had you in my life and I know we will cross paths again upon our reincarnation Geeta.”

Michael Harvey, general manager, said he hopes to turn the site into a “destination” venue despite saying the current state of the central market hall is “absolutely dire”. 

Although all shop units around the market are now full and the street food hall is operating at 83 per cent full, other stalls in the market are facing uncertain futures. 

In an update on the market’s performance to Darlington Borough Council, Mr Harvey said the majority of the market’s income comes from its two bars – The Vault and Market Tap – which are helping keep the facility afloat. 

Michael Harvey, general manager of Darlington Market. (Image: Darlington Market Asset Management)

He told the council’s economy scrutiny committee: “Retailers are very cautious about committing to take on units in the market – and those who have are struggling to make it work. This is due to a combination of things: rising costs of energy, stock, and staffing. 

“We are still competing against the convenience and value of supermarkets, retail parks and online shopping. Shoppers are increasingly looking for experiences – places to eat, drink, and socialise.” 

In a bid to turn the tide, bosses are drawing up a programme of specialist events to attract new audiences. A specific focus has been placed on creating a family-friendly venue that will show men’s World Cup football matches throughout June and July. 

“Our response is shifting focus from retail for the sake of retail to carefully curating the businesses that people actually use,” Mr Harvey added. 

He told councillors: “Over the past year, we have phased out some of the low-quality offerings and raised the standards. We are closely monitoring the performance of all businesses within the street food hall and are working with and supporting them.”

Darlington Market (Image: The Northern Echo)

Market Asset Management (MAM) was tasked with improving the building in 2017 when the then Labour-led council relinquished responsibility.

It has overseen a significant redevelopment of the market, which has included creating a new street food area and an enhanced focus on hosting events to attract a younger and broader demographic of visitors.

However, the Labour and Liberal Democrat-controlled council has faced pressure to regain control of the site. 

An advisory board has now been formed in partnership with Darlington Borough Council to monitor its performance and suggest improvements. 

It will consist of officers from MAM, a councillor and council officer, and independent advisors from local businesses and market experts. 

Despite recent closures, Mr Harvey said the market helped launch several new businesses in the town. 

He added: “We have had three startups open in the market, and despite them struggling to make it work, we have nurtured them and they have moved on into the town. It proves Darlington Market’s ability as a launchpad for startup businesses. 

“Darlington Market is evolving from a traditional retail space into a vibrant, experience-led destination, supporting local businesses, creating community moments, and building a more resilient financial model for the future.”

And council leaders remain committed to working with the market.

Chris McEwan, deputy council leader, said he is confident the market will improve over time. 

He added: “The market has faced challenges. What we do as an authority is not run the market but work with it. I’m a great believer that if the market fails, we fail.”

What do you think is the solution for the future of Darlington Market? Have your say in the comments.