Online tributes paid to ‘amazing’ boy, 12, who died after rescue

Child’s family offered condolences as councillor reiterates how dangerous river can be

A 12-year-old boy who was rescued from the River Tay in Perthshire at the weekend has died in hospital.

The child, named locally as Kayden Walker from Glasgow, was plucked from the water after getting into difficulty while playing near Stanley.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 1.30pm on Sunday and the youngster was airlifted to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.

Police confirmed he had lost his fight for life yesterday morning.

Tributes have been paid to an “amazing” boy on social media.

Kayden’s older brother, Kai Thomson, posted on Facebook: “There’s no words I could say to make this any easier. You’re up there with granda now so look after each other.

“I love you wee man with all my heart. Until we meet again.”

In another Facebook message, Keivie Fraser said: “I wish there was words I could say to take everything away and have Kayden right where he belongs with the family he loved more than anything.

“Kayden was loved, or should I say will always be loved, forever and ever.”

Strathtay councillor Grant Laing said the whole community would want to join him in sending his condolences to the family following the tragedy.

Mr Laing said: “Mine and everybody’s thoughts are with the family at this time. This tragedy has happened and my heart goes out to them.”

The SNP councillor said Kayden’s death was a reminder of how dangerous the river can be.

Mr Laing said: “It is a warning at this time of year to everybody that there is a very fine line between enjoyment and tragedy and precautions must be taken at all time.

“This reiterates how dangerous the water can be. Everybody must take the utmost precautions when they are taking part in water sports or anything to do with the water.”

The police said inquiries into the incident were continuing.

A spokesperson said: “Police Scotland can confirm that sadly the 12-year-old who got into difficulties in the River Tay near Stanley on Sunday has died in hospital in the early hours of Tuesday July 30.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very tragic time.

“Inquiries into the incident are ongoing and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”

The Health and Safety Executive confirmed it was aware of the incident and was also making inquiries.

“There’s no words I could say to make this any easier. I love you wee man with all my heart. Until we meet again. KAI THOMSON, BROTHER

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were involved in a water rescue on the River Tay on Sunday, after which 12-year-old Kayden Walker lost his fight for life in hospital.