Urgent appeal as elderly couple found dead after car pulled from reservoir

Daily Mirror

25-05-2025

John and Marilyn Saxon, both 78, were found dead after a vehicle was recovered from Crook Gate Reservoir in Denshaw, Saddleworth, on March 15, according to police
Police have launched a fresh appeal after a "kind and generous" elderly couple were found dead when a car was pulled from a reservoir. Detectives are continuing their inquiries into the heartbreaking incident that saw John and Marilyn Saxon, both aged 78, lose their lives after their car was discovered in a Saddleworth reservoir.
Emergency services were called to Crook Gate Reservoir, Denshaw, in the wake of the incident on Saturday, March 15, around 10am. It is believed the couple were driving on Huddersfield Road when their car left the road and ended up in the water. As the ongoing probe seeks to uncover the events leading to the crash, an appeal for CCTV footage earlier this week sought two individuals who may hold vital information.
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Yesterday, the Greater Manchester Police shared a new CCTV image, hoping it would help find two further people who could provide crucial evidence for the case.
In gratitude for communal assistance, a GMP spokesperson said: "Officers would like to thank the public for their support in sharing the previous CCTV appeal as they were able to identify the two witnesses who we were previously appealing for help to locate."
"Officers are now in a position in their investigation to release a further CCTV image of two more witnesses they would like to speak to who were also at Junction Inn car park, Rochdale Road in Denshaw at around 7pm on March 14, 2025, and it is believed they may have information, as witnesses, that could assist investigators.
"If you are the individuals in the image, know who they are, or can provide any information about this incident please contact us, the Serious Collision Investigation Unit can be contacted on 0161 856 4741, quoting log 851-150325.
"Alternatively, details can be shared on our LiveChat function on our website www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111."
The family of the Saxons previously paid tribute to what they described as a "kind, caring and generous" couple, according to Manchester Evening News.
Previously, a spokesperson for their family paid tribute to the couple, saying: "The family of John and Marilyn want to pay tribute to a kind, caring and generous husband and wife who sadly passed away following an incident at the reservoir on Saturday. The family ask for privacy during this difficult time."