BOY, 15, THE YEAR OF THE RAT DIES IN CANAL TRAGEDY
TRIBUTES TO YOUNGSTER WHO DIED WHILE OUT WITH HIS PALS
TRIBUTES have been paid to a teenage boy who died after falling into a canal.
Declan McNally, aged 15, was rescued from the Ashton Canal near to Buckley Street, in Droylsden.
Police, firefighters and paramedics rushed to the scene and pulled the 15-year-old from the water.
He was taken to hospital but later died.
It is understood Declan, from Beswick, a Droylsden Academy student, was with friends alongside the canal at the time of tragedy.
A woman who lives on the estate facing Fairfield Locks said she knew something was wrong as she heard children shouting. She said she rang the emergency services and ran out to the scene as he got sucked underwater close to the lock gates. A number of floral tributes have been left at the scene of Wednesday evening’s tragedy.
One bunch of flowers left has a message on them saying: “We tried so hard to help you. RIP Declan xxx From all on Fairbottom Walk xxx”
Droylsden Academy headteacher, Phil Wilson said: “Our school community has received the devastating news of the death of Year 10 pupil Declan McNally. Our deepest sympathies and thoughts go to Declan’s family and friends and everyone affected by this tragic loss.
“Declan was a valued and respected member of our school community who was popular and had many close friends. He will be greatly missed.
“The emotional well-being of our students is, of course, our top priority and our hearts go out, in particular, to those who knew Declan well and who have been deeply affected by his death.
“Our pastoral team is providing support to the school community and we are helping one another through this difficult time. We will, in the fullness of time, and with the permission of the family, set up an appropriate and lasting tribute or memorial to Declan’s life and, in the meantime, we will continue to reflect on the friendship and happiness that he brought to our school.”
Friends and family members have also been posting images and tributes to Declan on social media sites.
One post said: “Absolutely heart broke, RIP to little Declan.
“Thinking of all the family at this heartbreaking time, what a mint lad he was.” Another message said: “Such a sad world we live in, yet another young life taken. RIP Declan.”
A GMP spokesman said: “Officers are not treating the incident as suspicious and a file has been passed to the coroner.”