Schoolboy, 15, who drowned at beauty spot pictured as family pays tribute

The heartbroken family of a schoolboy who drowned at a beauty spot in front of horrified swimmers have paid a touching tribute. Alex Crook, 15 , died at Scotman's Flash, a pool of water and nature reserve close to Wigan on Saturday afternoon.

Alex's family has now issued a tribute to the teenager. His aunt Rachel Marron set up a JustGiving page in her nephew's memory, including a photo of him in his school uniform, to help his parents bury their son, reports The Mirror.

She wrote: "I've set up this page to help my brother and Alex's mum after the devastating loss of their son. As you can imagine trying to sort a funeral for your 15-year-old son is something no one should ever have to do."

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In a heartbreaking tribute to the teenager, a relative of Alex wrote: "Where do you start Alex, I'm heartbroken beyond words, we will make sure Oscar grows up knowing his big brother, a hole has been left [that] will never be filled, we are so proud of the man you [were] becoming, you were such a good boy. I'm going to miss you so much, your cheeky little smile, that little frown which Oscar has the exact same [...]."

Greater Manchester Police said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Alex's death. In a post on social media, a spokesperson for Scotman's Flash said they were "deeply saddened" by the incident.

The post said: "Our staff noticed the young man in the water and attempted to save him but were sadly unable to. We'd like to thank them for their courage and determination. Our thoughts are with the young man's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time," the post continued.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police previously said: "At around 3pm yesterday (Saturday 7 September 2024), officers were called over concerns for a 15-year-old male in the water at Scotman's Flash, Wigan."

"He was recovered from the water by members of the public but sadly, he passed away despite the best efforts of emergency services. There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and his family are being supported by specialist officers at this time." You can find the JustGivingPage here.