Tribute planned to boy who died after going into the River Soar
FUND-RAISING PAGE IN MEMORY
A BENCH plaque is to be installed in Barrow close to where a 13-yearold boy died after being pulled from the River Soar.
The teenager, named locally as Kieran Wharton, was one of four boys who entered the water on Saturday, May 13.
A wide search was carried out along the river after only three of the boys were found safe.
Police said Kieran was eventually rescued but died shortly after.
More than £4,000 has since been raised in his memory after Kieran’s mum Kaleigh set up a GoFundMe page.
A tribute to him on the page said: “Kieran was a larger-than-life character that loved everybody and he had the most wicked sense of humour.
“We as a family miss him so much and want to do the best we can for Kieran in his memory.”
His family are now hoping to raise as much awareness as possible about the dangers of bodies of water like the River Soar.
Residents told the Mercury at the time that the stretch of river, which sits between two locks, had a “fast undercurrent”.
An outpouring of support and various tributes have been shared across social media since Kieran’s death and flowers were placed around a free close to where he was found. A vigil was held in Barrow.
Barrow Parish Council issued a statement following the incident. A spokesman for the council said: “All at Barrow upon Soar Parish Council are shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic death that took place in Barrow on Saturday night.
“A young life, full of potential, taken all too soon.
“Our thoughts are with the family at this traumatic time. With deepest sympathy.”
Support the fund-raiser at: gofundme.com/f/for-anyone-that-wouldlike-to-help