First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to a Wishaw teenager who died after getting into difficulty in the River Clyde.
Thirteen-year-old Aidan Rooney was pulled from the water at Garrion Bridge by emergency services on Sunday, June 13.
He was rushed to Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children but tragically could not be saved by medics.
His death is not being treated as suspicious.
At First Minister’s Questions earlier today, Ms Sturgeon paid tribute to Aidan.
She said: “Can I extend my deepest and sincere condolences to Aidan’s family.
“Aidan, of course, the young boy who’s who tragically lost his life in the Clyde last week.
“I cannot even begin to understand the impact on his family, on his friends, and on the wider community.
“Incidents such as these are thankfully rare, each and every drowning is one too many.
“They demonstrate the vital role of initiatives such as drowning prevention week due to run from this Saturday.”
A social media post is requesting that people turn out this Saturday for a special tribute to Aidan.
It says: “Could everyone come to King George Park at 2.30pm on Saturday to let balloons off for Aidan. If you can’t make it it’s okay, would really appreciate it.”
Aidan’s aunt Lorna Rooney said: “On behalf of my brother Tony and sister-in-law Laura, I would like to thank everyone for your kind messages at this devastating time.”
The school community has also been left shocked by the teenager’s death.
Claire Connelly, head teacher of St Aidan’s High, said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened at the news of Aidan’s tragic passing.
“Aidan was a pupil in second year and was a very popular boy who liked to help others.
“We are supporting pupils and staff at this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Aidan’s family and friends.”
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