Preston coroner examines death of 23-year-old who drowned in River Ribble over Christmas
An inquest has opened into the death of a 23-year-old man who drowned in the River Ribble over Christmas.
Amin Ul Haq Khan, 23, was reported missing after getting into difficulty while swimming in the river near Dinckley, close to Ribchester, on Sunday, December 21.
He was spotted by a member of the public who called 999 and an emergency search was launched. His body was recovered from the river the following day.
Amin, born in Pakistan, was living in Great Hardwood after moving to the UK to work as a care worker.
His identity and cause of death was confirmed for the first time when Area Coroner Kate Bisset held a brief inquest opening in Preston on Tuesday (January 6).
She said: "This gentleman died as a result of drowning. He died on December 22 close to Salisbury Hall Road, Ribchester. He was a care worker."
A GoFundMe set up in his memory said his family in Pakistan had used their life savings to fund Amin’s move to Britain on a care worker visa. The fundraiser was started by Blackburn Hope Foundation who are supporting Amin's family, and has already raised more than £5,000. You can visit the GoFundMe here.
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They said: “Amin ul haq Khan leaves behind three sisters in Pakistan, who have exhausted nearly all their life savings to enable Amin to come to the UK and strive for a better future for the entire family.
“As you can imagine, Amin's loss has created a profound void in our hearts and in the lives of his family. In addition to the emotional toll, his family and sisters are facing financial difficulties.
“We sincerely appreciate any assistance you can provide, whether through a donation or by sharing this page with others. Every contribution will help us honor Amin's memory and alleviate the suffering of his family.”
A final inquest hearing is due to take place at Accrington Town Hall on April 2.