‘Caring, honest and full of life’ teenager died from bridge fall
More than £6,700 raised in memory of popular young man
AN ‘AMAZING’ 18-year-old who died after falling from a bridge in Runcorn has been named locally.
The teenager died after falling from the Queensway flyover at 4.55am on Sunday, August 15.
Paramedics treated him at the scene and he was taken to Aintree University Hospital but medics were unable to save him and he died a short time later.
The 18-year-old was named locally in tributes as Ryan Swales, with friends saying he worked at Iceland in Widnes.
Tributes to Ryan described him as an ‘amazing’ and ‘hardworking’ man who ‘would do anything for anyone.’
Rhianne Worth said: “Truly devastating, such a lovely lad, another taken too soon from his family and our little community. Thinking of all his family and friends.”
West Bank Football Club said: “Heartbreaking, RIP Ryan. Our thoughts are with you and your family and friends.”
Kerry Black said: “Omg bless him, fly high young man, forever young. My condolences to your devastated heartbroken family and friends, watch over your parents and send them the strength they are going to need to face each day without you.”
Matt Fagan said: “Ryan was only 18 years old, incredibly smart and hard working. I can’t imagine what his parents, sister and little brother are going through.”
Steven Shanley said: “May he RIP. Condolences to all his family and friends. Thoughts with all who witnessed this and the emergency services.”
After Ryan’s death, Lisa Noscoe set up a GoFundMe page to raise £5,000 for the 18-year-old’s funeral.
The current total at the time of going to press stands at £6,755.
The GoFundMe page read: “Ryan Swales was an amazing 18-year-old! He was so kind caring, honest and full of life!
His family are absolutely devastated he went out on a night out and didn’t come home!
“He worked hard, from an early age and you may recognise him from working in Iceland, Widnes.
“Ryan would do anything for anyone, he touched the hearts of so many!
“We all want to help his family celebrate his life as best we can. R.I.P Ryan. No parent should have to plan their child’s funeral.
“There is nothing anyone can do to bring Ryan back but if you can spare anything to help relieve the financial burden at such a devastating time, please do!”
Former teacher Lisa Robertson donated to the page and said: “Had the pleasure of teaching this wonderful young man.
“The most polite, honest and goodhumoured person to teach.”
The incident is not believed to be suspicious, although detectives have appealed for information.
Detective Inspector Alison White, from Cheshire Police, said: “Enquiries are ongoing and we’re keen to hear from anyone who may have walked past or driven past the area at the time of the incident.
“The same goes for anyone with any CCTV or dashcam footage which may aid our enquiries.
“At this stage, the death is not believed to be suspicious and a case file will be prepared for the coroner.”
● Anyone with any information about the incident should call Cheshire Police on 101, or visit www. cheshire.police.uk/tua, quoting IML 1061703.
Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.