A 12-year-old boy who tragically lost his life after being pulled from the River Ribble has been identified by devastated family and friends as Junior Slater. The incident occurred during a heatwave, drawing attention to the dangers of swimming in open water.
Emergency Response
Emergency services were called to Ribchester on Tuesday shortly after 2pm following reports of a child in distress in the water. The boy had been swimming with friends when he got into difficulty. A large-scale search was launched involving Lancashire Police's underwater search unit, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, and the North-West Ambulance Service.
Police confirmed that the body of a child was recovered at around 7.50pm. The boy has now been identified as Junior Slater, according to Lancs Live. The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be passed to HM Coroner in due course. The family is being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.
Tributes from Loved Ones
Heartbroken friends and family have paid tribute to Junior, leaving floral tributes at the scene and posting emotional messages on social media. Bobbi Jackson wrote: "Can't even believe it. What a horrible cruel world we live in. Little junior, our little mate, our neighbour for years, my mums bestie. You will be sooo missed. Thinking of your mum & family. Rest in peace little man."
Jordan Sergeant penned: "RIP Junior Slater. Never ever did I think I would be writing this about you. Words don't describe how we are all feeling down here but ur grandad batty will look after you now and until me Jake and everybody else see you again it's nothing but love little man. Shine bright up there."
Christine Slater said: "Can't believe what happened junior forever 12 your with grandad now love and miss you." Stac Dickinson posted: "So sad. Taken away so young. RIP junior. Just can't imagine what the family are going through at this sad time. Thinking of you all. Such a sh*t world we live In. You go fly high your grandad will be waiting for you xxxx"
Police Statement
A force spokesperson said: "At 2.06pm today (26th May) Lancashire Police received a report of a concern for safety after a boy had gone into the River Ribble at Ribchester. The boy, aged 12, had got into difficulty while swimming with friends in the river. A large-scale search involving officers from Lancashire Police's underwater search unit and colleagues from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service was launched, with colleagues from North-West Ambulance Service providing support. Very sadly, a body was recovered from the river around 7.50pm. While formal identification has not yet taken place, we believe it to be the body of the missing boy. His family are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers, and our thoughts are very much with his loved ones at this extremely distressing time. The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be passed in due course to HM Coroner."
