Man and woman found dead in reservoir car wreckage named

A man and a woman were found dead inside car wreckage which was pulled from a reservoir in Oldham on Saturday (March 15).

It has been reported that emergency crews were called to reports of a collision on Huddersfield Road, beside Crook Gate Reservoir and Dowry Reservoir, at around 10.10am.

Police officers attended the scene and following investigations, it was believed that the vehicle had entered the water.

The bodies of a man and a woman, both in their 70s, were recovered at the scene.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 10.10am Saturday 15 March 2025, we were called to reports of a road traffic collision at Crook Gate Reservoir on Huddersfield Road in Denshaw.

"Officers attended the scene and following investigations, it is believed that a vehicle has entered the Reservoir.

"Sadly, the bodies of a man and a woman in their 70s were recovered.

"Their next of kin have been contacted and are being supported by specialist officers.

"A scene remains in place and an investigation is continuing in relation to how the vehicle ended up in the body of water.

"The family ask for privacy at this time."

Subsequently, the family of the husband and wife who died have paid tribute to them.

John and Marilyn Saxon, both 78, have been named as the couple involved. 

A spokesperson for their family said: "The family of John and Marilyn want to pay tribute to a kind, caring and generous husband and wife who sadly passed away following an incident at the reservoir on Saturday.

"The family ask for privacy during this difficult time."  

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to contact police via 101 or gmp.police.uk, quoting log 851 of 15/03/25. 

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.