Tribute to 'sweetest' man who died while on holiday

Asha Patel
BBC News, East Midlands
Family handout A photo of Aaron Keightley wearing a black hoody. He is standing on a beach with the water behind. Family handout
Aaron Keightley was on holiday with friends when he got into difficulty in the sea

A family have paid tribute to a 29-year-old man who died after getting into difficulty in the sea off Skegness beach.

Aaron Keightley, from Beaumont Leys in Leicester, was enjoying his first holiday with friends before he died on Monday, his family said.

RNLI Lifeguards Lincolnshire confirmed a man was pulled from the water and despite efforts to resuscitate him, was pronounced dead at the scene.

His sister Shannon Smith said she would "miss him forever".

Family handout A picture of Aaron Keightley smiling as he looked up towards the camera. He is sitting on a beach, shirtless and wearing a silver chain. Tattoos can be seen on his chest and upper arm. Family handout
The 29-year-old's family have started a fundraiser to help towards the cost of his funeral arrangements

Paramedics and ambulance crews, including an air ambulance, also attended.

On a crowdfunding page to help pay for Mr Keightley's funeral arrangements, Ms Smith said "the current took him so quickly", and warned people to be careful in the sea.

In a statement on behalf of the family, she said: "Aaron was the most kind, sweetest, loveable and loyal man ever to exist.

"His presence was valued so much, he was loved... beyond belief. I am going to miss him forever.

"How are we meant to continue as a family without him?"

A spokesperson for RNLI Lifeguards Lincolnshire previously said: "Our thoughts go to the family and friends affected by the incident, along with many of the beach visitors who witnessed the tragic events at the time."

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