Boy, 15, dies after falling into canal while trying to jump over Fairfield Lock

A 15-YEAR-OLD boy has died after falling into canal while trying to jump over Fairfield Lock. Declan McNally was rescued from Ashton Canal in Droylsden, Tameside about 6pm on Wednesday but tragically died today. A witness told the BBC the teenager had been with three other girls when he tried to jump across the lock. […]

A 15-YEAR-OLD boy has died after falling into canal while trying to jump over Fairfield Lock.

Declan McNally was rescued from Ashton Canal in Droylsden, Tameside about 6pm on Wednesday but tragically died today.

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A witness told the BBC the teenager had been with three other girls when he tried to jump across the lock.

But instead he fell into the water.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene on Buckley Street, managing to pull him out and rushed him to hospital.

However, he later died.

Droylsden Academy today released a tribute to Declan McNally said: “Our deepest sympathies and thoughts go to Declan’s family and friends and everyone affected by this tragic loss.

“Declan was a valued and respected member of our school community who was popular and had many close friends. He will be greatly missed.”

Students are now being offered counselling after the tragedy.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said they had been called to the scene after reports of a “concern for welfare” just before 6pm on Wednesday.

They said: “Emergency services attended the scene and a 15-year-old boy was taken to hospital but sadly died in the early hours of this morning.”

“Officers are not treating the incident as suspicious.”

A Greater Manchester Fire Service spokesman said: “Upon arrival the casualty was rescued from the water and was taken to hospital by the North West Ambulance Service.”

A file has been passed to the Coroner.