Funeral date announced to give tragic Junior Slater who died in River Ribble a beautiful send off
The 12-year-old tragically drowned while swimming in the River Ribble at Ribchester last week.
A funeral date has been announced for a 12-year-old boy who sadly died after getting into difficulty in a river.
Junior Slater from Clayton-le-Woods tragically drowned while swimming in the River Ribble at Ribchester on Tuesday, May 26.
Lancashire Police said Junior got into difficulty while swimming with friends around 2pm. A huge emergency response was launched with fire crews, police and paramedics descending on the village, along with underwater search teams, who sadly recovered his body around 7.30pm.
The force said his death is not being treated as suspicious and his family are being supported by specialist officers.
Family and friends have shared their heartbreak on social media, while members of the community have paid their respects with floral tributes near the scene on the banks of the River Ribble.
A GoFundMe was also set up to give him the beautiful send off he deserves.
Greenlands Club in Chatburn Road is also raising money for Junior’s family with a six-hour marathon of entertainment on Saturday, June 13, from 12pm to 6pm.
Announcing details of his funeral his heartbroken sister Shannonleigh said: “With the heaviest of hearts, I am sharing the funeral arrangements for my baby brother, Junior Slater.
“We invite family and friends to join us in celebrating Junior’s life on Thursday 11th June 2026 at 11:00am at Blessed Sacrament then followed on to Preston Cemetery.
“We will be leaving from my grandma’s house for him to take his final ride around Moor Nook.
“Forever my baby brother.
“Forever loved. Forever missed.”