THE FAMILY of a man who died after “jumping off” the Palace Pier have paid tribute to him.

John Horseman, 47, was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton after he “dived off” the Palace Pier at low tide on the Sunday of the August bank holiday weekend.

His father Keith Horseman said his son was a “good swimmer” but must have not expected the shallow water.

John, who was a father of one, had a great heart and would do anything for anybody, according to his family.

The Argus: Picture courtesy of Keith and Elaine HorsemanPicture courtesy of Keith and Elaine Horseman (Image: Picture courtesy of Keith and Elaine Horseman)

He had his life support turned off on September 7 at the Royal Sussex, according to the family.

Keith told The Argus: “John had a real good heart. He was generous.

“He was a good dad to his daughter, she’s only 13. It’s a bit raw. It’s been a massive shock to us.

“He was the best man at our wedding on June 26.

“John was really popular and would do anything for anybody. He got along with people. He will be sorely missed.”

The Argus: There was a large emergency services response to the incident on August 28There was a large emergency services response to the incident on August 28

John, from Luton, was the best man at his father’s wedding on June 26.

His funeral is due to be held on October 7.

Keith said his son had gone down to Brighton for a long weekend over the August bank holiday with a friend and was understood to have been with another group in the city.

The other man with John was discharged from hospital and is being supported by those close to him “at this horrible time”.

Keith added: “From what we can make out, he went down to Brighton with a mate of his and was part of a bigger group.

“He has dived off the pier into shallow water. He was a real good swimmer so he obviously didn’t expect shallow water. That’s pretty much all we know about the circumstances of what happened.

“We got down to see John, we were in Brighton for about four days. They had to turn the machines off, he had massive brain damage. He was in the water for too long apparently, lack of oxygen.

“We’re heartbroken. It will take a while to comprehend.”

The inquest for John Horseman is due to take place on February 1, 2023.