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Tributes pour in for ‘darling’ boy, 16, who died in canal on hottest day of year
Thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time
Tributes have poured in after a 16-year-old boy died in a canal, in Lancashire, on the hottest day of the year.
Preston McNally, named locally, died in the Leeds-Liverpool Canal in Burnley on the evening of Saturday, September 9th.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 4.20pm that afternoon after he failed to return to the surface.
A frantic search to find the teenager began, resulting in his body being pulled from the water just before 7.20pm, where he was sadly, pronounced dead at the scene.
It is believed Preston entered the canal near Empire Way in the town.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Constabulary said: “A 16-year-old boy was pronounced deceased at the scene and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this distressing time. Our enquiries are continuing.”
It comes after a heatwave hit the UK last week with Saturday being the hottest day of the year recorded so far.
Heartfelt letters and notes have been left by the scene by loved ones describing how much Preston will be missed.
Tributes have also been pouring in over social media to honour Preston’s life, with friends and family sharing how dearly loved he was, describing him as a ‘special boy’.
His sister, Lauren Saddington, said in a post on social media: “Oh my darling boy. My heart is broken. You didn’t deserve this and our family didn’t deserve this. You were so loved and you made every person laugh so much!
“It was only days ago you chipped your front tooth (I’ve heard you still had four girls around you). I am so sorry you have been taken from us, I’m sorry for us all but especially your mum and dad and my dad too.
“Your sisters, your aunties, your cousins, your nannies…we’re all going to miss you so much.
“My heart aches and I don’t know how we will ever come to terms with losing you. Forever 16 and forever in our hearts. Preston McNally. Love you always… from your biggest sis x.”
Mimi Heys said: “Couldn’t imagine what your family are going through, God bless sleep tight lad this world is cruel.
“Keep hold of your family tight. R.I.P Preston Mcnally you are going to be miss[ed] a lot thinking about your family and Cambridge lads.”
Lucy Victoria posted: “Sending love to Georgia McNally and the rest of his family. There will only ever be one Preston McNally. Absolutely heartbreaking. rest in peace Preston.”
Cody Breward said: posted: “Such sad news. Taken away too soon R.I.P Preston Mcnally, sending out love to all his family and friends at this such devastating time.”