He leaves behind a seven-year-old daughter
A devoted father described as an “incredible” dad and an “honest giant of a man” died in a tragedy while on holiday in Spain. Former UK champion powerlifter Jeremy Paynter, from Seabrook, near Hythe, was in Alcudia, Mallorca, on June 28.
An opening hearing at Oakwood House in Maidstone was told the 45-year-old had been out on a personal water craft, commonly known as a jet ski, with his partner, Emily Hill, when the craft overturned while stationary. Coroner Patricia Harding said: “The information before the court is that he was on a trip, on a stationary vehicle with his partner, wearing life jackets, when it tipped and they fell into the water.
Coroner Patricia Harding said: “The information before the court is that he was on a jet ski trip, on a stationary jet ski with his partner, wearing life jackets, when it tipped and they fell into the water. He pushed his partner back onto the jet ski but struggled to get on himself.”
The hearing was told Mr Paynter, who was born in New Zealand, was eventually pulled from the water onto nearby rocks as an air ambulance was called to the scene. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he could not be revived. A preliminary post-mortem examination carried out in Spain recorded the cause of Mr Paynter’s death as asphyxia.
The senior finance manager leaves behind a seven-year-old daughter and has been remembered by friends, family and former colleagues as a loving father whose warmth and generosity touched countless lives. His ex-wife, Cathrine Spencer, a former England rugby player, paid tribute to him in a heartfelt LinkedIn post.
She wrote: “Jeremy was an incredible Dad to our amazing daughter. Jeremy was larger than life in every way. He made such an incredible, positive impact on everyone he met. I hope that he is looking down now and finally understands how much he is loved by so many people.”
Tributes have continued to pour in from those who knew him professionally and personally. Jo Hobbs wrote: “Such shocking and sad news. I have many fond memories from the time I worked with Jeremy, it was an honour to have met him. An amazing character who I will forever remember and I feel privileged to have known him.”
Former colleague Kenneth Louis Juan said: “He was a constant source of encouragement, always pushing us to strive for greater things and assuring us of his unwavering support in achieving our dreams. He was not only a leader who cared deeply for his team as colleagues, but also as family. Jeremy, you will truly be missed.
“My deepest condolences to his bereaved family. May you find comfort in the legacy of kindness, guidance, and care he has left behind.”
Others described Mr Paynter as an “honest giant of a man” and “an amazing person with such incredible knowledge, empathy and compassion”. The inquest was adjourned for a full hearing at a date yet to be fixed, when the circumstances surrounding Mr Paynter’s death will be examined in greater detail.
