Loving tributes to ‘hero’ canal teen
EMOTIONAL tributes have been left to a “hero” teenager who died after getting into trouble in a Derbyshire canal.
Logan Folger, 14, was rescued from the canal near to Mill Green in Staveley, Chesterfield, just before 4.50pm on Wednesday, August 18.
He was rushed to hospital in Sheffield but died three days later.
Now dozens of written and floral tributes have been left at the scene where he entered the canal, as it was revealed he had entered the water to try to save a friend who was struggling.
In letters left at the scene, loved ones describe him as a “hero”, while a sign claiming to be from his mother urges people to “stay away from the water and keep safe”.
Speaking to the Sun, Logan’s mother Stacey Bentley,said: “It was of some comfort that he managed to save his friend who I don’t think could swim.,” she said.
“He is a hero.
“But I wish he’d been selfish and too scared to go into the water himself because he would still be alive today. It’s so sad that a hero gets repaid saving the life of another.”
The 35-year-old said her boy was a “lovable rogue” who had a “heart of gold” and that he had dived in to save a girl who had slipped into a deeper section of the canal.
She added that the girl was fortunately able to escape, but Logan was dragged underneath by the current.
She said: “We are all absolutely devastated. I still can’t believe he
has gone.” An inquest into Logan’s death was opened on Monday.
Coroner Peter Nieto said: “Initial circumstances reported by police are that on 18 August, Logan was swimming with two friends in the canal in Staveley when one friend got into difficulty in the water.
“Logan and a friend tried to assist that friend and Logan himself got into difficulty and went underwater for a prolonged period.”
The hearing was adjourned until November 15.
Family, friends and loved ones are planning a “send-off” to Logan at Hollingwood Top Field at 2pm today.
People are being urged to bring balloons and blue smoke bombs to remember the teenager.
A spokesperson for Derbyshire police said: “Our thoughts are with Logan’s family and friends at this time. We do not believe there to be any suspicious circumstances, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.”
A spokesperson for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service tweeted: “The thoughts and sympathy of everyone at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service are with the family and friends of the deceased at this distressing time.”