An inquest has opened into the death of a 12-year-old boy who drowned while swimming in the River Ribble during last month's heatwave. The boy, named as Graham Junior Slater from Clayton-le-Woods, Lancashire, died on Tuesday, 26 May after getting into difficulty in the water near Ribchester.
Emergency services were called at around 2pm following reports that Junior had entered the river with friends and was struggling. Despite attempts by the other children to help him, he was found under the water at 7.24pm. His body was recovered at 7.50pm after a large-scale search involving police, fire crews, and an air ambulance.
Area Coroner Kate Bisset opened the inquest at Preston Coroners' Court on Thursday, 11 June, the day of Junior's funeral. She stated: 'Junior and his friends entered the water and Junior was observed to get into difficulty. All the children attempted to assist him. Police were called. Sadly Junior was found underneath the water at 7.24pm.' A full inquest has been scheduled for 18 September.
Junior's family paid tribute to him, saying: 'Our little blue-eyed boy. He will be truly missed. He was the life and soul of our lives. Words can't describe how we are feeling right now. We will forever love you Junior.' His former headteacher, Miss Kelly Hannah, described him as a 'bright spirit' with a 'cheeky smile' who left a lasting impression on staff and students at The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School.
Junior was one of 19 people who died in water-related incidents during the May heatwave. A fundraising event for his family is planned at Greenlands Club in Ribbleton on Saturday, 13 June.
