Clive Whitehead drowns while on holiday in Turkey

Clive Whitehead, 39, who lived in a houseboat community at Fulford Ings, York, died after getting into difficulties at Patara beach near Kalkan, having arrived in the resort earlier in the morning last Saturday.

He was on holiday with a friend and, after meeting an Australian couple called Dejan and Deb on the beach, Clive decided to go for a swim with Dejan.

He got into difficulties and the Australian made every attempt to rescue him but struggled in very choppy seas.

Dejan called for help and Clive’s friend ran for assistance but unfortunately it was too late, and he had drowned.

A local newspaper in Kalkan has reported that while Patara beach was a “wonderful place to go,” there were strong currents and care was needed, particularly when conditions were rough.

A close friend of Clive’s paid tribute yesterday to a “unique, kind and endlessly generous man who would always put other people before himself”.

She described Clive as an extremely accomplished and talented individual in many aspects of life, including music and art.

He was also trained as a sailor and a pilot and was a regular life model at Space 109 in Walmgate and Art Space. He had been working as a piano tuner in North Yorkshire.

Clive was described as a much loved, central and valued member of the community in which he lived and an inspiration to so many people, who would be sadly and deeply missed.

A ceremony will be held for him at York Cemetery in Cemetery Road in coming weeks, with a date still to be confirmed.

All friends will be welcome to celebrate his life through readings, poetry and music.