17-year-old drowned during kayaking trip in Bolton on April 9

On the evening of April 9, a tragic incident occurred in Bolton when 17-year-old Joe Holt drowned during a kayaking trip on the River Croal. Joe and another boy were in an inflatable canoe when they lost control in the fast-flowing water and were swept towards a steep weir. While the other boy managed to escape by jumping to safety, Joe was unable to respond to warnings and was pulled over the weir with the canoe. Despite efforts to rescue him, he was later pronounced dead in the hospital. The inquest revealed that Joe had not previously kayaked, while the other boy had some experience. They had planned the trip via Snapchat and were unaware of the dangers posed by the river, particularly the size of the weir. Joe's mother expressed her shock, stating she would not have allowed him to go kayaking due to the heavy rain and dangerous conditions. Firefighters eventually pulled Joe from the water, but he succumbed to his injuries the following morning. The coroner concluded that Joe's death was a case of misadventure, acknowledging the efforts made by the other boy to save him. The incident highlights the risks associated with water activities, especially for inexperienced individuals. This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and awareness when engaging in outdoor adventures, particularly in unpredictable weather conditions. Joe was remembered as a promising young man, and his untimely death has left a profound impact on his family and community.