The family of an 18-year-old who drowned in the River Irwell in Greater Manchester have issued a heartfelt warning, saying he would still be alive if he had gone to the local swimming baths instead.
Tragic accident at Clifton Country Park
Leon Pafu Ngoy, who had just completed his GCSEs and was excited about the future, died after entering the water at Clifton Country Park in Salford on Saturday, June 27. Emergency services launched a major search operation, and his body was recovered on the following Monday.
In a statement released through Greater Manchester Police, his family said: “If Leon could speak to others today, we believe he would have one important message: no matter how safe the water may look, it is never worth taking the risk. We will always wonder what might have been if different choices had been made.”
Family tribute to a 'kind and respectful' young man
The family described Leon as “kind, respectful, thoughtful and loved by everyone who knew him.” They added: “No matter where he went, Leon brought energy, laughter and happiness. People will always remember his infectious smile, his sense of humour and the way he treated others with kindness and compassion.”
Leon loved basketball, fashion, music and spending time with family and friends. He had big ambitions and dreams he was looking forward to pursuing.
No one to blame, but a heartbreaking 'what if'
The family stressed that nobody was to blame for what happened. “It was a tragic accident that has changed our lives forever,” they said. “If Leon had gone to the local swimming baths instead of the Clifton Country Park that day, he would still be with us.”
They hope that sharing Leon’s story will prevent other families from experiencing similar pain. “Leon was deeply loved, and we will carry his memory with us always.”
Renewed calls for open water safety
The tragedy is one of several similar open water deaths in Greater Manchester during recent heatwaves. Emergency services have renewed calls for people to stay out of canals, rivers and reservoirs, warning that even calm-looking water can hide dangerous currents, cold temperatures and underwater hazards.
