‘Beautiful' schoolboy, 15, drowns in river after passers-by tried to save him as his devastated family pays tributes
A FAMILY have paid tribute to their "beautiful" boy who drowned in a river despite passers-by trying to rescue him.
Lotus Bowker, 15, from Kirkham, Lancashire, died after getting into difficulty in water on May 17.
Emergency services were called to the riverbank at around 2:30pm and the teenager was airlifted to hospital.
But despite medics' best efforts, he passed away the following morning.
Cops have urged anyone with information related to the boy's death to come forward and urged people to "think twice" before going into open water.
The lad's parents have paid tribute to their "beautiful boy" who they say is "sadly" missed by his family.
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They said: "Our beautiful boy, sadly missed by his Mummy, Daddy, his brothers and sister deeply. Words cannot describe the pain we are going through.'
A GoFundme page has been set up in memory of the boy and to help support his family during this difficult time.
In a heartbreaking post, Maria Mercer, a friend of the family's, wrote how their hearts have been "shattered" following the tragic incident.
She described how what started off as an ordinary day quickly turned into an "unimaginable nightmare".
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She said: "On Sunday 18th May, our hearts were shattered when 15 year old Lotus Bowker tragically lost his life following an incident in a river.
"What started off as an ordinary day quickly turned into an unimaginable nightmare and now family and friends are grieving the loss of a beautiful, bright and kind hearted soul taken way to soon.
Lotus was more than just a teenager- he was a son, a brother, a friend and a shining light in the lives of everyone who knew him.
"His smile could lift a room, and his energy was infectious. He had dreams, laughter to share and a whole life ahead of him. That future was stolen in a moment that will never be forgotten.
"As his family and friends come to terms with this heartbreaking reality, they are now faced with the painful task of saying goodbye.
"We want to give Lotus the farewell he truly deserves- one filled with love, dignity and the honour that his life deserves.
"This fundraiser has been created to help give Lotus the best send off and support his family in this difficult time.
"Every donation, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference and ease the burden on those left behind."
Regarding the tragic incident, DI Adie Knowles, said: "First and foremost my thoughts remain with Lotus's loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
"They have lost a son and a brother in the most tragic circumstances and I just want to echo David's words around water safety.
"I'd just ask that people think twice before going into rivers, reservoirs or any form of open water. You are unnecessarily putting your lives at risk, and I really don't want to have to knock on your parents door to tell them that you won't be coming home."
"Any individuals with information related to Lotus's death should contact
Lancashire
Police on 101, quoting log 834 of May 17, 2025."
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Lotus Bowker died after getting into difficulty in water
Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
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