34-year-old John Wilfred Quail in the water near his Smith's Parish home.

Mr. Quail was a butcher with Lindo's Market in Devonshire and was from Downpatrick, Northern Ireland.

Mr. Quail was also an avid road runner who placed 136th in this year's Marathon Derby and 53rd in 1999.

He was hosting a party at his Cameron Close home, when some time after 10 p.m.

he followed a friend to the water side.

Police were called shortly before 11 p.m. and the friend told them he had heard the sound of someone falling about 15 feet into the water.

When Police arrived they found Bermuda Fire Service and King Edward VII Memorial Hospital ambulance crews pulling Mr. Quail out of the water, just east of his home.

Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation was administered at the scene before he was taken to the hospital.

Two other people were also taken to the hospital, although the extent of their injuries is unknown.

Eastern CID officers are conducting the investigation and taking statements from people present at the party.

Giorgio Zanol, president of Lindo's Markets, took time out from a gathering of managers and butchers from the Lindo's "family'' to remember Mr. Quail.

Mr. Zanol said he understood Mr. Quail's brother had left his New York home to return to Northern Ireland to be with his mother.

Christmas Eve death But he wished to remember Mr. Quail as he last saw him at a dinner on Saturday night.

"John Quail was not just an employee of Lindo's,'' Mr. Zanol said. "He was a friend. He was a great guy to have work for you. John was always happy and laughing.

"I don't know what happened and I certainly don't know why it happened -- its just one of those things,'' he continued. "But I'll tell you one thing, we will certainly miss him. Tomorrow morning (Wednesday) there will be a void at Lindo's.

"John was always laughing and he was always willing to work and nothing was too much for him. I know of nobody who was against him or had a grudge against him. We -- my family, the Lindo's staff and our customers -- will miss John dearly. It will be so hard to fill his shoes.'' Mr. Zanol explained he had a running bet with Mr. Quail over who would beat the other in the Lindo's Family race next year, and choking back tears, added: "Now he's gone.'' He added: "On Saturday he wished me a Merry Christmas and I wished him the same.''