Devon primary school teacher Nick Mutton was swept to his death after wading into a storm-swollen river to rescue his dog on Christmas Eve, an inquest has heard.
The 46-year-old was doing some last minute shopping when his pet Labrador ran off and leapt into Devon's River Lemon.
Mr Mutton lowered himself into the water to try to reach the animal but lost his grip on railings and fell in.
He was swept hundreds of yards along the swollen river in Newton Abbott, which was 7ft higher than usual because of the winter storms.
An inquest heard how Mr Mutton tried desperately to cling to vegetation but was not strong enough to resist the raging current.
Mr Mutton was found face down by police and flown to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital but was pronounced dead within hours of the tragedy.
He was one of six people killed in storms which wreaked havoc across Britain in the days leading up to Christmas.
Eyewitness Lee Tremlett told the hearing that Mr Mutton seemed "jovial and happy" as he walked beside his three dogs.
Moments later he watched as the popular teacher from Cockington Primary School in Torquay removed his jacket and ran towards the water.
He said: "I saw him lowering himself down into the river near the underpass.
"He was holding on to railings with both hands. I saw a black Labrador in the water."
Mr Tremlett said he was about to offer his assistance when Mr Mutton lost his grip and was swept away.
He then saw another man drop his shopping and try unsuccessfully to grab Mr Mutton.
PC Robert Wilson found the pet owner further along the River Lemon where it joins the River Teign and tried in vain to revive him.
Mr Mutton's brother Nick said: "He was a very thoughtful and caring man loved by all him family and friends and all his colleagues and pupils at work."
South Devon coroner Ian Arrow said the shock of coming into contact with the cold water probably caused Mr Mutton's body to go into shock before he drowned.
