Tributes continue to pour in for 'popular and respected' firefighter and ex-Royal Marine Daniel Lee following his tragic death.
The watch manager went missing in the early hours of Monday (August 22) in Manchester city centre following a night out with colleagues from the fire service. Emergency services carried out extensive searches throughout the week, and the 41-year-old's body was sadly found in the River Iwell on Thursday.
Daniel leaves behind his devastated fiancée Simone and four children. The 'valued' firefighter, known as Dan to his colleagues, had served in the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) for 16 years.
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Before this, he served his country as a Royal Marine Commando. Tributes from colleagues and friends have flooded in for him since the news of his death.
More flowers, cards and photographs have now been placed outside the Agecroft fire station in Salford where Daniel was based. One card at the station, from the Stretford red watch team, said: "It is with a heavy heart we write this card.
"You will be sorely missed by all that knew you. Our deepest sympathies go to your family and friends.
"You were a great person and will be a huge loss to this world. May you rest in peace."
A fundraising page has also been set up by colleagues and friends to raise funds to support his family. The fundraiser - which Daniel's family is happy for the Manchester Evening News to share - says: "After serving his country as a Royal Marine Commando, Dan joined Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service in 2006.
"Initially starting his 16-year career at Eccles Fire Station, Dan then moved to serve his local community of Salford at Agecroft Fire Station as a Watch Manager. Dan was an extremely popular, respected and valued member of the fire and rescue service.
"His family, friends and colleagues are shocked and saddened by his tragic passing and he will be greatly missed by all. Dan leaves behind his fiancée Simone and four children.
"His friends and colleagues have set up this page to raise funds to support his family at this difficult time, and any support you can provide would be greatly appreciated."
In a tribute issued on Thursday evening, chief fire officer Dave Russel said: "Everyone at GMFRS is shocked and deeply saddened by the untimely death of our colleague Watch Manager Dan Lee. Our thoughts are with Dan's family and friends, as they have been over the past few days as the search for him has taken place.
"This is a tragic end to a very difficult week and not the outcome we all so desperately hoped for. On behalf of GMFRS, I want to thank GMP for their efforts in the search for Dan, as well as colleagues from across GMFRS and residents and partners from across our city region who have supported the search.
"Dan, who served with GMFRS for 16 years, was a popular and valued member of our GMFRS family and he will be greatly missed."
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