Tri-Service

Former Royal Navy Officer Dies On Retirement Holiday

A former Royal Navy officer’s death has been ruled as ‘accidental’ after he drowned on a retirement holiday in Spain.

54-year-old Michael Shepherd died while on holiday with his partner Beverley Absolom in Benalmadena in August.

The father of three daughters had served for 28 years with the Royal Navy and retired as a warrant officer, an inquest at Llanelli Town Hall in Wales heard.

He had travelled around the world during his service, including America, the Caribbean and Europe.

Mike Shepherd and Beverley Absolom. Image courtesy: Beverly Absolom / Facebook

Described by his daughters Sophie, Holly and Charlotte, as the “life and soul of the party” Mr Shepherd entered the ‘choppy’ sea, leaving his partner on a sun lounger.

She said she saw lifeguards running towards the water, which Mr Shepherd had entered every day, from her lounger.

He was given CPR by the lifeguards and rushed to Malaga hospital but he later died in hospital after being flown back to Britain.

Ms Absolom described him as being a 'larger than life, kind and caring' man.

Recording a conclusion of accidental death, the Coroner Mark Layton said: “It would appear that Mr Shepherd got into difficulty while swimming”.

Cover image courtesy: Beverly Absolom / Facebook