‘Loveable’ Wigan man dies after being pulled from canal as family pay tribute

The family of Aaron Ritchie who tragically died after being pulled from a canal in Wigan Borough have paid tribute to him.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at the Leeds Liverpool canal at Crank Wood, Abram at approximately 2.15pm on Tuesday, November 28th, responding to calls that two males had entered the water and had come into difficulty.

Both men, aged 49 and 60, were retrieved from the canal by specialist personnel, as part of a large emergency response, as paramedics immediately conducted CPR. 

The men were rushed to hospital but despite the best efforts of medical staff, sadly, both passed away later that day.

One of the men has been identified as 49-year-old Aaron Ritchie. He has been described by his family as a ‘loveable character’. 

In a statement paying tribute to him, Aaron’s family said: “It’s come as a complete shock to us as a family surrounding the tragic accident of what happened on Tuesday afternoon. Aaron was a loveable character who made a big impression on everyone who knew him.

“Aaron had special needs and he loved the outdoor life and as long as he had his puzzles, laces and spinning tops he was happy. Aaron is surely going to be missed by us as a family.”

The family also passed on their condolences to his carer’s family and thanked emergency services for their rescue efforts.

The family added: “We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to his carer’s family and a special thank you to the emergency services who attended trying to save them.”

The 60-year-old man, Aaron’s carer, has not yet been named but police have said his next of kin have been informed. The two men’s deaths are not being treated as suspicious, police say.

Police are continuing to establish the circumstances behind their deaths, with a scene currently remaining in place in the area at the canal.