Heartbreaking tributes to boy, 15, with ‘cheeky smile’ who drowned after getting into trouble at watersports beauty spot
A TEENAGE boy who drowned after getting into difficulty at a watersports centre has been named – as tributes pour in.
Alex Crook, 15, was sadly pronounced dead at Scotman’s Flash, Wigan, on Saturday despite staff desperately trying to rescue him.
Cops said the schoolboy’s death is not being treated as suspicious.
Tragic Alex’s family have since set up a JustGiving page to raise funds for his funeral – with over £2,000 donated in one day.
His aunt Rachel Marron said: “I’ve set up this page to help my brother and Alex’s mum after the devastating loss of their son.
“As you can imagine trying to sort a funeral for your 15-year-old son is something no-one should ever have to do.
“If this is the only I can do to help in anyway I can.”
Scotman’s Flash confirmed the tragic news in a post over the weekend.
They wrote: “Our staff noticed the young man in the water and attempted to save him but were sadly unable to,’ the post continued.
“We’d like to thank them for their courage and determination.
“Our thoughts are with the young man’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
Scotman’s Flash is a “watersports activity centre” in the Leigh National Nature Reserve, a beauty spot near Wigan.
The centre offers paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing courses and coaching for all levels.
Greater Manchester Police previously said: “At around 3pm yesterday, officers were called over concerns for a 15-year-old male in the water at Scotman’s Flash, Wigan.
“He was recovered from the water by members of the public but sadly, he passed away despite the best efforts of emergency services.
“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and his family are being supported by specialist officers at this time.”