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A 24-year-old man drowned in nine inches of water in a horrifying "freak paddling pool accident."

Roan Bloore, 24, had been emptying a pool where his nieces and nephews had been swimming during the heatwave before he is believed to have passed out. He was found lying in just nine inches of water for 10 minutes before he was found.

Emergency services started CPR and even though paramedics were able to restart his heart, Roan's brain had been deprived of oxygen, which resulted in organ failure and contributed to his death on June 26.

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His grieving dad Michael said he and his wife were not able to say goodbye as they were stuck in traffic. The dad-of-four told MailOnline: "I'm ripped to pieces, one of my babies is gone. I had four children and now I have three."

The dad and wife, from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, were in holiday in Devon when they heard the horrendous news about Roan. They had been unable to drive due to shock and instead flew back and were escorted by police to the hospital where Roan was being treated.

Tragically, the couple said they missed Roan "by 10 minutes." Michael added: "It's like a nightmare I can't wake up from. I have to stay strong for my wife who is in absolute pieces," the former telecoms worker said.

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Michael said the incident was a "freak accident" and believes everyone should be supervised while around water, no matter its dept. His brother Deklan helped paramedics perform CPR, and held his hand as he died in hospital, Michael said.

He continued: "At the age of 24 and he's drowned when his brother is a lifeguard, it just seems so strange to me. If he had been swept to sea I would understand more. It's just horrible, I've been an absolute zombie."

Roan's sister Abigail has since set up a GoFundMe in a bid to support her parents and cover funeral costs. The GoFundMe campaign said: "His parents are on benefits due to medical issues and don't have much money available for the funeral. they've applied for help from the DWP but this only covers up to £1,000.

"The price of the funeral we are wanting is only £2,250. its nothing too big. I know people don't have to help but any help is appreciated more than you can imagine."

Since being organised, the GoFundMe page has received £1,467 out of a £1,600 target. To view the fundraiser, click here.