Junior Slater inquest rules out suggestion he was pushed

Junior Slater, from Clayton-le-Woods, died on May 26 after getting into difficulties in the water at Ribchester during the spring half-term holiday.

A hearing at Preston Coroner's Court today (September 18) heard that Lancashire Police found no evidence that Junior had been pushed and concluded he entered the river of his own free will before getting into trouble in deeper water.

Paying tribute after the hearing, Junior's family described him as their "beautiful blue-eyed boy" who had "the biggest heart".

Junior Slater died after drowning in the River Ribble at Ribchester on May 26 (Image: Lancashire Police)

They said: "Junior was so much more than the tragedy that took him from us. He was a son, a brother, a friend and a much-loved uncle.

"We want people to remember Junior the boy, not just Junior the tragedy. Remember his blue eyes, his smile, his laugh, his huge heart.

"Our beautiful boy, forever 12, forever loved."

Coroner Richard Taylor heard that warm weather had drawn large numbers of children and teenagers to the popular riverside spot during the school holidays, with many swimming, playing and jumping into the water.

Detective Sergeant Mark Hutchinson, who helped lead the police investigation, said officers spoke to those present and carefully examined the circumstances surrounding Junior's death.

The hearing was told some witnesses believed they had seen Junior jump into the river, while others said they did not see how he entered the water. Suggestions had also circulated that he may have been pushed.

However, DS Hutchinson said investigators found no evidence to support that claim.

The officer said police believed Junior entered the water himself and that confusion had arisen because dozens of youngsters were gathered at the river, many of whom looked similar from a distance and were entering the water at different points.

Tributes to Junior were left next to the water in Ribchester (Image: Phil Taylor)

The inquest heard Junior had travelled to Ribchester by bus with friends after hearing other children planned to meet at the river.

Several witnesses said Junior had told friends he could not swim.

One witness recalled warning him against entering the water after he admitted he could not swim. Another said Junior had previously indicated he did not intend to jump into the river for that reason.

Witnesses later described seeing Junior in difficulty as he drifted towards deeper water.

Initially, some believed he was joking when he shouted for help, but his calls became increasingly frantic before he disappeared beneath the surface and failed to resurface.

Other youngsters attempted to help him while emergency services were contacted.

A member of the public who entered the river in an effort to rescue him told the hearing he was unable to locate Junior because of the depth of the water, poor visibility and the strength of the current.

Junior Slater (Image: Family)

DS Hutchinson said the River Ribble appeared calm on the surface but varied significantly in depth and could contain strong undercurrents.

Police concluded that after entering water where he could no longer stand, Junior quickly panicked before being carried towards deeper water.

Recording a conclusion of accidental death, Mr Taylor said: "Junior Slater died on May 26, 2026, having drowned after he got into difficulties in the River Ribble."

The medical cause of death was given as drowning.