'Forever 12' Heartbreaking tributes to Junior Slater who drowned in River Ribble at Ribchester

Tributes have been paid to Junior Slater, the 12-year-old boy who tragically drowned while swimming in the River Ribble at Ribchester yesterday (May 26).

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.

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.

‘RIP Junior - Forever 12’

Tributes for Junior have been shared on social media, with devastated family and friends, as well as local businesses and the wider community, sharing their heartbreak at the boy’s tragic death.

One read: “This is so heartbreaking, so young RIP young man, thoughts are with the family at this sad time and his friends."

“RIP junior, fly high young man,” said another, while another added, “This is just heartbreaking. RIP young man. Thoughts and prayers to your family and friends.”

While Preston-based swimming instructors Swim Superb said: “This is devastating. Our heartfelt condolences to all who lost these beautiful young people over the last few days up and down the country.”

At least seven young people have died in UK waters during the recent heatwave, as well as a man in his 60s and a woman in her 70s.

The tragedies have led to the RNLI issuing a warning about the risks of swimming in open water, which can lead to hyperventilation and a spike in heart rate and blood pressure as the body reacts to cold water.