Kimberley Johnson tragic final words are revealed following 33-year-old’s reservoir swim death

A mother-of-three, Kimberley Johnson, 33, tragically drowned at Strinesdale Reservoir near Oldham on Saturday, August 17, 2024, an inquest opening has heard.

Kimberley, who worked as a machine operator, had gone to the reservoir with her partner, Daniel. The couple had been drinking alcohol and smoking cannabis before Kimberley decided to go into the water.

Police coroner’s officer Cathy Dickson told the hearing: “She swam for a while and then said something like, ‘I can’t do it’. He tried to reach out and grab her but could not do it.”

Rescue Operation at Strinesdale Reservoir

Emergency services were called to the scene around 4 pm after reports of a woman getting into difficulty in the water. The fire service’s specialist water rescue unit was deployed.

The area off Waterworks Road was sealed off as crews searched the reservoir. After a two-hour operation, Kimberley’s body was recovered at 6.25 pm. She was later identified through fingerprint checks.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Heartbreaking Final Moments

Witnesses said Kimberley had entered the water confidently at first but struggled soon after. Her partner tried to save her, but sadly, she slipped under before help could arrive.

A source told the hearing that the couple had spent the day relaxing before the tragedy. The coroner confirmed that Kimberley had consumed alcohol and cannabis earlier in the afternoon.

Tributes to Kimberley Johnson

Following the devastating news, family and friends paid tribute to the “amazing” mother-of-three.

Her close friend Tanya Kennedy said: “Kim was such an amazing woman. She took me in when I was younger and always treated me like a sister. I really wish I could speak to her one last time.”

Neighbours in Oldham described Kimberley as a “kind and loving” mother who always put her children first.

Inquest Scheduled

An inquest into Kimberley’s death has been scheduled for December 16, 2024, at Rochdale Coroner’s Court.

The case will examine the circumstances surrounding her drowning and whether any lessons can be learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future.