Tragedy as kitesurfer, 54, found dead on remote UK island after 'goofing around'

Tragedy as kitesurfer, 54, found dead on remote UK island after 'goofing around' Jonathan Peskett, 54, was described as a “devoted” father and husband by his wife at his inquest, which heard he had nine years experience kitesurfing when he tragically died A kitesurfer and airline pilot who drowned when he hit his head and fell unconscious was "goofing around" moments before he passed away, an inquest heard. Jonathan Peskett, 54, was an experienced kitesurfer but died in tragic circumstances on a remote Hebridean island last autumn. He was found by pal Matthew Taylor unresponsive in the water. The pair enjoyed the watersport, travelling to the Isle of Tiree in Scotland togther, which is known for its exceptional kitesurfing conditions. Moments before Matthew realised something was wrong with Jonathan, he said they were "goofing around" during a warm-up spraying each other and high-fiving as they passed by. “We weren’t pushing either of our limits or boundaries,” Mr Taylor said. Conditions were "moderate" on October 30, 2025, and Jonathan “had not reported feeling unwell” before entering the water, he told Cornwall Coroner's Court on Tuesday (August 4). The inquest heard they had spent about less than an hour and a half on the water in “moderate” conditions when Mr Taylor realised Mr Peskett’s kite was down. He rushed to his friend and found him unresponsive, and was able to drag him back to the beach, where he started CPR. When he was not able to revive Mr Peskett, he flagged down a passing van in order to call the emergency services. However, despite the efforts of Mr Taylor and medical staff, Mr Peskett was pronounced dead at the scene. Jonathan, originally from Newcastle but relocated to Cornwall, was described as a “devoted” father and husband by his wife Deborah. She paid a touching tribute to him at the inquest. “He lived life at full throttle,” she said. “He was always looking for his next adventure. “For me, life has been turned upside down. There is not a day that goes by where I don’t feel the weight of his absence. “Jonathan was loved beyond measure and he will be missed for the rest of our lives.” The inquest heard it's believed Jonathan suffered a head injury while on the water. Assistant Coroner Emma Hillson said: “It’s found to be most likely that Jonathan had suffered a blow to the head, rendering him unconscious.” The coroner recorded a medical cause of death as “consistent with drowning” and stressed there were no issues with the kit he was wearing and he had not taken any drugs or alcohol prior to the accident.