Safety review after boy’s death at Clifton Country Park

Leon Pafu Ngoy, 15, was described by his loved ones as bringing “energy, laughter and happiness” to all he knew after tragedy struck and he was found dead at Clifton Country Park.

He was confirmed dead on Monday, June 29, after a three-day search by the emergency services.

United Utilities has now confirmed that public footpaths are still open on land it owns around the country park, but they are working with partners to look at safety in the area.

A spokesperson said: “All public footpaths on United Utilities land at Clifton Country Park, including routes from Red Rock Lane and the bridge, remain open and accessible.

“The area next to the bridge that provides direct access to the River Irwell is private land and should not be accessed.

Some of the fencing at Clifton Country Park (Image: Phil Taylor)

“We are working with the Greater Manchester Water Safety Strategic Partnership to review safety arrangements in the area.

“Our priority is to help keep people safe while ensuring public rights of way remain available for the public to enjoy responsibly.”

Passers-by have reported seeing that routes from Red Rock Lane to the bridge over the River Irwell are open.

Signs warning about hazards at the country park (Image: Phil Taylor)

But an area next to the bridge is on private land and is not open to the public, being protected by locked gates and fencing.

Salford City Council has previously confirmed that they are cooperating with an investigation into the incident, but United Utilities is the landowner at the site in question.

Floral tributes were left at the scene to “Leon the Champion” after the 15-year-old’s death, while his family later paid tribute to a boy who had big ambitions for the future.

The incident happened at Clifton Country Park (Image: Phil Taylor)

They also appealed for families to learn from the incident and be cautious with bodies of water.

A statement from the family said: “Leon was our baby, our brother, our best friend, and the heart of our family.

“He was kind, respectful, thoughtful, and loved by everyone who knew him.

Private land is fenced off (Image: Phil Taylor)

“No matter where he went, Leon brought energy, laughter, and happiness.

“People will always remember his infectious smile, his sense of humour, and the way he treated others with kindness and compassion.

“Leon had just completed his GCSEs and was excited about the future.

More of the signage at the country park (Image: Phil Taylor)

“He loved basketball, fashion, music, and spending time with family and friends.

“He had big ambitions and dreams he was looking forward to pursuing.

“If Leon could speak to others today, we believe he would have one important message: no matter how safe the water may look, it is never worth taking the risk.

“We will always wonder what might have been if different choices had been made. If Leon had gone to the local swimming baths instead of the Clifton Country Park that day, he would still be with us.

“In sharing Leon’s story, we hope that other families never have to experience the unimaginable pain and heartbreak that we are living through.

“Leon was deeply loved, and we will carry his memory with us always.”