Inquest opens into death of rugby-mad teenager found dead in a lake

An inquest has opened into the death of a teenager found dead in a lake.

The body of Samson Price, 18, was discovered by police in Westwood Flash, in Wigan, on October 4.

Coroner Alan Walsh opened the inquest into the teenager's death at Bolton Coroner's Court this afternoon (Wednesday, October 14).

He was told that a post-mortem examination had given the medical cause of Samson's death as "drowning".

Speaking at the brief hearing, police coroner's officer Benjamin Dobbs said: "On October 4, 2020, Samson was found by police in the water at Westwood Flash, off Lockgate Place, in Wigan.

A floral tribute left near to the scene in the Poolstock area of Wigan (Thomas George)

"He was unresponsive and was declared life extinct at 3.45pm."

Mr Dobbs added that a police investigation into Samson's death was still ongoing.

Mr Walsh adjourned the hearing until October 23 when a review will be carried out.

Following Samson's death, three teenagers - aged 17, 18 and 19 - were arrested on suspicion of murder.

They have since been released from police custody after questioning.

Samson Price, 18, with mum Rosanna (right) (Price family)

The 18-year-old and 19-year-old men have both been released on bail.

The 17-year-old boy has been released under investigation.

Samson's dad, Samson snr, and mum Rosanna told the M.E.N. that their son was a 'wonderful young man' who they nicknamed 'Golden Boy'.

They said his death - after he told them he was going fishing - has left his family 'broken'.

"He never had an enemy," Rosanna said.

"He never held a grudge and couldn't be upset. He just had no badness in him, he just wanted everyone to enjoy themselves and for everyone to be happy.

"He was so proud to be from Wigan. He loved Wigan.

"He was everybody's friend. People gravitated towards him.

"He was just loved by everybody.

Police at the scene near to Westwood Flash, in Wigan (Manchester Evening News)

"He was so spoilt. His nickname was Golden Boy because he was spoiled and got away with everyhing.

"He lit up a room.

"There will never be another like him.

"He was the light of my life and now the light's gone."

Samson jnr, who had a 20 year-old sister Atlanta, was a keen fan and player of both rugby union and rugby league.

The former St Matthew’s Primary and Hawkley Hall High school pupil had just started a plumbing course at Wigan and Leigh College and had a jet washing business with his friend.