The mother of a 12-year-old boy who died at a derelict mill has called on the public to help her show "how much my boy is loved".
Brody O'Brien died at a derelict mill in Market Street, Whitworth, Lancashire, on October 7 2025. An inquest held in January heard that, while Brody did not intend to end his life, he had taken steps which led to his death.
Coroner's concerns
The mill, just off Market Street and next to a playground, is fenced off, although it is possible to see how someone could gain access by climbing over a wall. The abandoned property is situated on land which is currently being developed and runs adjacent to Spodden Valley Park, popular with dog walkers and families.
In a report to Rossendale Borough Council, Area Coroner Emma Mather called on the authority to take action to prevent people from accessing the site, describing the mill as "not well secured and... treacherous and the access point used by the emergency responders was dangerous."
The report was also shared with Brody's parents, Simon O'Brien and Jade Hoyle, as well as Lancashire County Council, the Local Safeguarding Board and Lancashire Constabulary.
Council response
In its response, the council confirmed the report had been shared with the owner of Sunnyside Works, who said "his access to the land has been denied and prevented by the owner of the wider Albert Mill site and was therefore unable to comply with the notice."
However, the council said it "did not accept this position" and added: "The Council has been in communication with the owner of the Albert Mill site and they have confirmed that they are agreeable to [the owner of Sunnyside Works] taking access over their land to his property in order to carry out the securing of the building. This has been relayed to but he does not accept that access is suitable or safe. This is also not accepted by the council."
The council said it has continued to liaise with the owner, but he maintains his position. "In the event that he fails to do so, the council's contractor will be instructed to do the works and a land charge will be placed on the land until the monies are recovered."
The council is also taking steps to prevent access, including the removal of some trees on council-owned land near the building and looking at how further access from the footpath could be prevented, taking into account current rights of way.
Lantern release planned
Brody's mum Jade Hoyle has organised a lantern release to be held at the Plop Pump Track in Whitworth on the anniversary of his death.
Jade wrote on a Facebook event page: "Brody lantern release for his anniversary is going to be same place kick pitch on 7th October at 7pm. Everyone and anyone can come to show how much my boy is loved."
