News Beat
Inquest takes place into tragic death of Daniel Holden, 19
Daniel Holden, 19, was found in the Lower Rivington Reservoir after an underwater search on Sunday, August 31, with police officers having been searching in the area since the day before.
An inquest at Preston Coroner’s Court heard that Daniel, from Bolton, had gone out with friends on August 29 but did not come home the following day. He was reported missing on August 30 and his body was found the following day.
Coroner Richard Taylor said the reservoir was somewhere Daniel and his friends would go somewhat regularly.
Highlighting statements from Daniel’s friends, Mr Taylor said the group were aware of the potential dangers of where they were, such as danger signs and notices warning against swimming.
Mr Taylor said that towards the end of the evening on August 29, only Daniel and one of his friends remained at the reservoir.
The friend fell asleep, and when he woke up, Daniel was not there. The friend thought he heard a noise in the water, so he went to check, but got out as it was too cold.
The inquest heard that Daniel was a strong swimmer who was a trained lifeguard and confident in the water.
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It also heard that Daniel had been looking forward to the future and that he had been keen to change parts of his life, such as getting a job and getting fitter.
Dr Sue Kearney, a consultant radiologist, offered a medical cause of death of drowning.
A CT post-mortem examination found evidence of MDMA and ketamine in Daniel’s system, as well as a low level of alcohol.
Mr Taylor said it was not possible to determine exactly when Daniel’s death was, or to determine how, when, or in what circumstances he came to be in the water.
He said: “We know how cold it would be, despite the time of year.
“There is no evidence he intended to end his life, so I dismiss that.”
Offering a narrative conclusion, Mr Taylor said: “Daniel Holden was found dead in Lower Rivington Reservoir on August 31, 2025, although how or when he entered the water could not be ascertained.”
Following Daniel’s death, a group of his friends organised a balloon release in his memory, which raised more than £2,600.
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Of that money, £1,500 was to fund the cost of the release, and any additional funds were donated to the Bolton Mountain Rescue Team.
In a heartfelt message to their friend, the group said: “You were kind, funny and the brightest smile in every room.
“You taught us to laugh, to love, and to live life to the fullest.
“Even though you were always late, you were worth the wait.
“Forever in our hearts, forever 19.”
Daniel’s former school, St Joseph’s R.C. High School in Horwich, said in a tribute: “Danny is remembered with great affection by staff across the school, including the site team, cleaners, admin staff, dinner ladies, teaching staff and IT support staff.
“He is remembered for his huge grin and willingness to spend time improving the day of whoever he came across.
“We are privileged to have been part of Danny’s life. Danny was a man of integrity.
“We can see from the tributes pouring in that he was a solid friend for so many people.
“At school, we remember him as the person willing to sit next to anyone he saw on their own.
“We will continue to thank God for his presence in our lives and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this sad season of loss.”
