An inquest has been opened into the death of a 12-year-old boy who lost his life while swimming in a river during last month's heatwave. Junior, whose full name was recorded as Graham Junior Slater and listed in court documents as being from Leyland, died on Tuesday, May 26, while swimming in the River Ribble near Ribchester in Lancashire.
Emergency services were alerted at around 2pm after Junior got into difficulty in the water. A major search operation was launched and his body was recovered approximately six hours later. An inquest into Junior's death was opened at Preston Coroners' Court on Thursday (June 11), on the day of his funeral.
Area Coroner Kate Bisset said: "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."
The court was told that Junior was born in Preston and resided at Galloway Close in Clayton-le-Woods. A concluding inquest will take place on September 18 at Preston Coroners' Court before Assistant Coroner Richard Taylor, reports Lancs Live.
Junior, from Clayton-le-Woods, was amongst 19 people who died in water during the May heatwave. Just four days after his death, a woman in her 60s died at Thornton-Cleveleys while attempting to rescue her dog from the sea.
Junior had been a pupil at The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School in Ribbleton, where he was warmly remembered by staff. His former headteacher, Miss Kelly Hannah, led tributes to the 12-year-old, describing him as a "bright spirit" who made a lasting impact on the school community.
She said: "It is with deep sadness that we remember one of our former pupils, Junior Slater, who tragically passed away yesterday. Although he left our school last year, his cheeky smile, warmth, kindness, and bright spirit left a lasting impression on both staff and students. Junior will be remembered for his smile, friendships, and the joy he brought to those around him. Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences are with his mum and wider family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. As a school community, we stand together in remembering a young life taken far too soon."
Junior's family paid tribute following his passing, 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."
Greenlands Club on Chatburn Road in Ribbleton is due to host a series of weekend events to raise funds for Junior's family, kicking off with a six-hour fundraising entertainment marathon on Saturday, June 13, from 12 noon. The occasion will include music and performances throughout the afternoon.
