The devastated father of a teenager who died after being pulled from a river has told the boy’s heartbroken friends “it wasn’t your fault.”
William McNally, 13, passed away in hospital days after getting into trouble in the water at the River Gryffe, where it’s understood he had been playing with pals.
The lad had been in a critical condition at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children before his tragic death on Saturday.
Police raced to the river near Auchans Farm in Houston, Renfrewshire, at about 6.50pm on Wednesday after getting frantic calls that William was in the water.
In a moving message to all of William’s friends who had been with him, his dad William Snr told them not to feel any guilt about the tragedy.
He said: “This is a very sad time for all of us. Please don’t blame yourself.
“This was an accident. We don’t blame any of you.”
In a legacy to William, his heartbroken mum and dad have donated his organs to save the lives of other young people across the UK.
A fitting tribute to a boy described as “incredibly kind” by so many, William has been remembered as a “character full of life”.
Yesterday, Linwood High School, which William attended, cancelled an in-service day and opened its doors to allow fellow pupils to pay their own tributes.
Gillian Macartney, headteacher at Linwood High, said: “We are devastated by news of the sudden loss of William.
“This is a time of great sadness for the school community and we share the grief of the family.
“We will be providing our support to pupils and the wider school community in the coming days and weeks and will be available to support the family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Hundreds of people have shared fond memories of William online.
One family member said on Facebook: “One of life’s most kindest people you could ever meet.
“A massive part of both mine and my son’s life, his ‘best friend’, his buddy boy, the one that taught him how to play bad guys.
“I will miss you so much William. Rest in peace.”
A JustGiving Page to support William’s parents has also been launched by a family friend.
It states: “William was a character full of life and had many wonderful quirky traits.
“Any donations would be greatly appreciated to help a devastated family that have had their world turned upside down. Lets help give him the send off he deserves.”
Hundreds of people have since contributed while offering their condolences.
It has so far reached more than £10,000.
Police Scotland last night said its inquiries into William’s death were ongoing.
