Rossendale Council told action needed over "treacherous" mill after death of talented 12-year-old boy
A Lancashire council has been urged to take immediate action over a "treacherous" derelict mill in which a talented young Lancashire musician, 12, was found dead.
Nirvana fan Brody O'Brien, aged 12, was discovered unresponsive at the building in Whitworth, Rossendale, in October 2025.
Sadly, despite desperate efforts to save him, he died shortly afterwards.
Brody's family told an inquest at Preston Coroner's Court in January that they refused to believe that he had intended to kill himself.
Area coroner Emma Mather recorded a narrative conclusion.
Now Ms Mather has issued a "prevention of future deaths" report to Rossendale Borough Council.
She has urged the authority to take action to secure the disused mill in Market Street, Whitworth.
In her report, she states: “During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern.
“In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.”
Ms Mather said she was concerned that Brody was able to access the unsecured site - known as a meeting place for young people.
Meanwhile, emergency services found access to the "treacherous" site difficult.
They had to scale a wall with all their equipment and once inside, the ground was very uneven and dangerous posing a significant risk.
She told the council: “In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action.”
The council has 56 days to respond to the report, giving details of action taken or setting out the timetable for action.
Brody, of Whitworth, was a talented guitar player and pianist.
Ms Mather said at the inquest it was clear that Brody was a "bright star".
She said: “This is one of the most tragic cases I have ever heard.”
Ms Mather said she could not be sure that Brody intended to take his own life.
There was evidence of planning, but also evidence that he was looking forward to the future.
Rossendale Borough Council has been approached for comment.
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