An open verdict has been recorded in the deaths of a Saddleworth couple whose car plunged into a reservoir after a tragic incident in Denshaw. John and Marilyn Saxon, both 78, died when their Range Rover crashed through automatic gates at Readycon Dean House on Ripponden Road, through a water feature, dry stone wall and fencing before ending up in Crook Gate Reservoir on 14 March 2025.

The hearing at Rochdale Coroners Court on Monday, 1 June heard how the couple, described as having ‘hearts of gold’, had been at the nearby Junction Inn earlier that evening and had collected a takeaway for their tea. Coroner Joanne Kearsley was told that Mrs Saxon had been living with dementia and that her capabilities had diminished in the lead-up to the tragedy.

Because no concrete evidence emerged to suggest a deliberate act, a medical episode, or pedal confusion in their automatic vehicle, the coroner recorded an open conclusion. The family, through their daughter Joelle Hardman, told the Saddleworth Independent of their profound grief, saying: “We are totally devastated about the loss of both mum and dad in such a tragic accident.”

Mrs Hardman described her parents as loving, generous, thoughtful, kind and hardworking, married for nearly 58 years and childhood sweethearts. “They were the perfect match for each other and made a great team,” she said. “Mum and dad came from humble beginnings, worked tirelessly all of their lives and were very family orientated. Their resilience and determination was inspirational.”

The couple, who lived in Saddleworth for 45 years, were well known in the Denshaw community. Mr Saxon was a retired chartered quantity surveyor, and Mrs Saxon a former property manager. The family added: “They were loved by many and were charitable and supported many local causes. They would help anyone and touched countless people with their warmth and kindness.”

At the hearing, Mrs Hardman explained that a family meal in Manchester had been booked for the following day, as her daughter was home from university. She also detailed how her mother’s condition had deteriorated to the extent that the family were looking at care homes, with suggestions that her father move nearby. “Dad wanted mum to stay at home for as long as possible,” she said. “Mum and dad had hearts of gold. They adored each other and dad was a real gentleman, always holding hands with her and buying flowers.”

Carer Tracy McCabe, who had known the Saxons for years and was employed privately, told the court that Mrs Saxon needed encouragement to get up in the morning and required assistance with showering. “She knew what she wanted to say, but she couldn’t get the words in the right order,” Ms McCabe said. After visiting on 14 March, she arrived the following day to find police at the property and no sign of the car.

The court heard that CCTV footage showed the Saxons leaving the Junction Inn and stopping on Ripponden Road to turn right. After doing so, there was a sudden burst of acceleration which took the car through the gates and into the reservoir. The exact cause of the acceleration could not be determined.

The family’s statement concluded: “We miss them beyond words but their love, kindness and generosity will live on in our family and among all those who knew and loved them. We would like to express our thanks to the police and Coroner’s office for their investigations, professionalism and support.” The couple’s deaths have left a deep void in the local community, with many remembering their warmth and charitable work across Oldham and Saddleworth.