Kite surfer dies in freak accident in front of crowded beach on warmest day of year.sean Sands is believed to have drowned after he lost control of his kite and was unable to trigger the quick release mechanism.
Tragic: Sean Sands spent 45 minutes in the water before he was pulled ashore unconscious
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Families enjoying the beach on the hottest day of the year watched in horror as a man died in a kite surfing accident.
Sean Sands, who was aged in his 40s, lost control of his kite and was unable to trigger his emergency quick release.
He spent around 45 minutes in the water before he was dragged unconscious onto the beach by fellow kite-surfers.
Sean was airlifted to hospital but medics were unable to save his life
Tributes: Sean was described as a “hugely popular” man with many friends
A spokesman for Hunstanton Sailing Club, of which he was a member, said: “Fellow club members and kite surfers were immediately on the scene to try to help Sean and the RNLI were called straight away.
“Tragically, despite the best efforts of everyone Sean did not make it.
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“Sean was a hugely popular character and someone who made everyone feel like they were a close friend.
“Hunstanton Sailing Club have lost a true brother, a friend to so many and one of life’s genuinely effervescent characters.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Sean’s family at this terrible time.”
Horror: Hunstanton beach, Norfolk, was crowded with sunseekers when the accident happened (Image: Getty Images)
Families flocked to Hunstanton beach in Norfolk on Saturday to enjoy the warmest temperatures of the year so far.
But at around 3.30pm Sean was spotted in difficulty off the crowded beach.
Despite a desperate rescue attempt he was not revived and pronounced dead in hospital.
A flag flew at half-mast outside his sailing club over the weekend.
Sean was also a member of the nearby King’s Lynn Triathlon Club.
In a statement they paid tribute saying: “I am sad to report that a fellow triathlete and good friend to many of our members had a tragic accident whilst out kite surfing yesterday.
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