A much-loved musician drowned while practising holding his breath underwater in a swimming pool despite staff having twice raised concerns.
Connor Maher died at Nuffield Health Centre in Worcester while practising holding his breath underwater on September 2 last year, an inquest heard.
The inquest into the death of the gifted musician, who was both a singer and guitarist, was held on Tuesday, May 26 at Worcestershire Corners Court in Stourport.
At the hearing, the coroner concluded his death at the fitness centre in Droitwich Road was the result of misadventure.
The 36-year-old singer and guitarist of Barbourne Road, Worcester, was known for his solo sets and band performances with the Connor Maher Quartet and was a regular face at the city venue the Marrs Bar, owned by his father Brian.
Connor Maher, a musical talent most known for his solo sets and band performances under Connor (Image: YouTube)
The coroner said: “He was practising holding his breath underwater in the swimming pool and drowned.
“Staff at the centre were concerned by this activity on at least two separate occasions but did not seek to stop it because they did not know that what he was doing was prohibited by the terms of the centre’s risk assessment.”
At the time of his death, tributes poured in for Mr Maher, including from colleagues at RGS Worcester where he was described as a ‘valued member of the Holroyd Howe Catering team’.
‘Was third party involved in soldier’s death?’ ask heartbroken family
How brave girl, four, inspired dad’s challenge of a lifetime
Cancellation of big events is blow for city but still much to look forward to
RGS headmaster John Pitt, said at the time: “The family gave us the tragic news of Connor’s death and all of our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
“Connor worked here at RGS Worcester as one of the Holroyd Howe Catering team.
“He was an exceptionally hard worker who always got into work early and supported his colleagues.”
He also brought his skills as a chef to the wider community, working in local venues such as Boston Tea Party in Worcester.
A spokesperson for Woo Fest also paid tribute at the time.
They said: “All of us at Woo Fest are deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of the wonderful Connor Maher.
“An absolute gem of a man, Connor was loved by everyone who met him, and especially by his wonderful family.
“Connor oozed musical talent and graced the Woo Fest stage both with solo sets and alongside his fantastic band, the Connor Maher Quartet, who produced some incredible tunes.
“The tracks he wrote for his album Growing Up were pure genius.
“We first met Connor hosting the Marrs Bar open mics, witnessing first-hand his incredible talent and instantly warm personality.
“Thank you, Connor, for your support, your music, and most of all your friendship.”
A Nuffield Health spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of one of our members at our Worcester Fitness & Wellbeing Club.
“Our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this very difficult time.”
