Tributes paid to ‘loving’ man who died after being pulled from water on the town centre – as lady, 30, is arrested

Tributes have poured in for a ‘loving’ man who tragically lost his life after being pulled from the water in a town centre.

Police were called at around 6.40 pm on December 9, to reports of a man in the water in Bridge Street, Taunton, Somerset. 

Officers arrived on the scene within five minutes and found a member of the public had pulled Kevin Thorne, 49, from the water.

First aid was given and he was taken to hospital, but he sadly died in the late hours of December 22. 

A 30-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the incident and has since been released on police bail.   

Officers believe the man and woman were known to each other and have confirmed there is no wider public risk. 

In a tribute following his passing, his family stated: ‘Kevin was a son, father, brother, uncle, cousin and a friend to many. He was kind and caring and he would help anyone if he could.

‘Kevin was a loved man, not just by his family, but by everyone who knew him. 

Kevin Thorne, aged 49, (pictured) has been described as a ‘kind’ and ‘loving’ man and has been remembered by his family following his death last month

His body was found by a member of the public in the water in Bridge Street, Taunton (pictured: The River Tone in Taunton, Somerset)

‘Losing Kev has been a massive shock to his family and friends and is going to be sadly missed by all.

‘His family is devastated losing Kev at such a young age of just 49, he was taken tragically too soon.’

A day after his death, his brother said on Facebook: ‘Kevin fought all the way to the end we as a family were by his side every step of the way.

‘To say we’re going to miss him and his antics is a massive understatement he is very very loved and is going to be very very missed.

‘I’m going to miss you so much not only are you my brother, you are my friend and I’m going to miss our catch-ups down by the river were we would meet up.’

A specialist family liaison officer is currently supporting his relatives.

Meanwhile, Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed that their investigation remains active.