Inquest finds 12 year old boy drowned after getting into difficulty in River Ribble
Junior got into difficulty after paddling with friends in Ribchester in May.
Last updated 18th Sep 2026
An inquest in Preston coroners court has found that 12 year old Junior Slater drowned after paddling in the River Ribble in Ribchester, after he got into difficulty in the water and was swept away into a deeper part of the river.
At just after 2pm on the 26th of May, during the May half-tem, emergency services were called out to a report of a concern for safety after a boy had gone into the river at Ribchester and had got into difficulty while swimming with friends.
Lancashire Police’s underwater search unit and the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service launched a large-scale search, with the North-West Ambulance Service providing support.
A body was recovered from the river around 7.50pm on the same day.
The court heard how Junior travelled to the river on the bus with his friends on what was a particularly hot day, and the river was very busy, with Detective Sergeant Mark Hutchinson from Lancashire police saying there was around 50 teenagers there on the day.
He also said how the river has very easy access, and that Junior and his friends went to a popular spot where people can jump into the river.
DS Mark Hutchinson continued, saying how the police spoke to witnesses there , many of them being Junior's friends. Many of them said that Junior told them he could not swim.
DS Hutchinson said Junior entered the water himself, walking in without realising how deep it was. He was then swept out into a deeper part of the river, where he could not stay afloat.
The police don't believe Junior jumped in along with his friends, as he could not swim.
In a tribute his family said:” 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.”
Coroner Richard Taylor said "He was probably only going in the water to paddle, he may have then slipped and fall into the deeper water. The river was very deep and the current was very strong"
Therefore, the judge ruled it as an accidental death, with Junior drowningafter getting into difficulty
Police say the Junior's family are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.
The family have asked for privacy at this time.