Gary Smith is believed to have died after he failed to resurface during a vehicle recovery operation in Lake Erie, Ontario, Canada, and tributes have poured in for the Manchester United fan
08:53, 24 Mar 2026Updated 08:54, 24 Mar 2026
Gary Smith died after failing to resurface from water in Lake Erie in Ontario
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Gary Smith died after failing to resurface from water in Lake Erie in Ontario(Image: McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd)
Tributes have been paid to a UK-born man with a '"fearless spirit' who died in a diving accident in Canada. Manchester man, Gary Smith is thought to have died after he failed to resurface during a vehicle recovery operation in Lake Erie in Ontario, according to reports.
The 67-year-old, who was living in Chatham, Ontario, was reportedly working at Erieau Marina on March 18 to attach cables to a submerged vehicle in the marina's boat channel when he disappeared beneath the water.
A massive emergency search operation was initiated involving police, fire crews and the search and recovery unit, according to Dive magazine. Tragically, Mr Smith's body was recovered the following day, as confirmed by Chatham-Kent Police Service in a statement.
The Toronto city skyline, Ontario, Canada
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He moved to Ontario, Canada in his 20s
Heartfelt tributes have since been paid to Mr Smith, who was born and bred in Manchester before relocating to Canada in his late twenties. In an obituary posted online by McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd, his family and friends remembered him as an 'avid lifelong Manchester United fan' who even named his diving shop after the Red Devils, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Mr Smith, survived by his wife Polly and son Stephen, moved to Canada in his late twenties and established a scuba shop. "He trained countless divers over the years with a steady hand and a deep commitment to safety," the obituary read.
The post added: "Gary loved his entire family fiercely. He also loved dogs, the open road, the water, and travels with Polly and friends. He was an avid diver, motorcyclist, and traveller, always seeking the next horizon.
"He built friendships everywhere he went and will be deeply missed by his circle of friends, his diving and motorcycling communities, and the many people he connected with at the gym, the local pubs, the Kent Club, and in Erieau. One of the greatest joys of his life was celebrating his son Stephen's wedding last year and helping to prepare his new home, a time that filled him with pride, gratitude, and joy.
"Gary died as he lived with courage, curiosity, and unrelenting determination. Though his passing is tragic, it came in the midst of the adventurous life he insisted on living right to the end.
"His legacy is one of love, laughter, craftsmanship, and bold living. Those who knew him will carry his stories, his hugs, his humour, and his fearless spirit with them always."
Dozens responded to the post to pay their respects to Mr Smith. Catie said: "I first met Gary over 30 years ago at GT's roadhouse when I tended bar whilst home from university. Gary would come in for a pint with the fellas after being at the dive shop or in the water.
"Years on... he always greeted me with that sparkle in his eye, and wide smile. Always asked how I was, and how my family was....Always so kind. With deep sadness, I send his wife and family condolences.... He was a terrific guy."
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Kelli stated: "I first met him and his friends 30 years ago when I was bartender. They were great guys and he always made me laugh. My thoughts and condolences are with his family."
Stephen added: "Such a great guy. Always happy and smiling. Seeing Gary always put a smile on my face too. Gone far too soon! God bless Gary and his family."