Dad’s shock death remains a mystery

POPULAR . . . Andy Samson

MOVING tributes have been paid after the shock “unexplained” death of a former Oldham education assistant director.

Popular father-of-three Andy Samson (54) was found in water near Little Buck Beck pumping station in Cleethorpes.

A passer-by spotted Mr Samson’s body at 11am on Saturday. It was then recovered by police divers.

Humberside police said they are treating his death as “unexplained”.

Mr Samson had been executive director of children’s services at North-East Lincolnshire County Council since leaving Oldham in 2005.

His work helped transform the lives of thousands of children.

Councillor Kay Knox, Oldham’s Cabinet member for children, young people and families, was shocked and stunned by the news.

She said: “I just want to remember him as a big man with a big sense of humour who always wanted to see the funny side of any crisis — and he did.

“But his responsibility was around inclusion.

“He had such a big personality and a wonderful sense of humour but always very sensitive to children and young people with special needs. That combination is very rare.

“We are all obviously thinking about the family. We do not know what happened and they must be devastated, as are a lot of people in Oldham who knew him and were very fond of him.” Mr Samson joined Oldham Council in 2000 and had previously worked as an educational psychologist.

As assistant director (inclusion) for education and culture, his legacy in the borough includes New Bridge School.

The keen Manchester City fan was taken on in North-East Lincolnshire to turn around the failing authority.

His achievements were nationally recognised.

Mr Samson leaves wife Barbara and three children Jim, Claire and Tomo.

In a statement to the Grimsby Telegraph, they said: “We will remember a family man who, throughout his career, devoted himself to improving the lives of others.

“He was a strong character who led his team in a determined manner from the front.

“But he also had a tremendous sense of fun and out of work was an ordinary, down-to-earth guy who enjoyed sailing and football.

“Conversation with him would inevitably turn to the latest saga in the fortunes of Manchester City where he was a season ticket holder for many years.”