A grieving mum has shared an emotional tribute to her "hero" son who died after diving into a canal to save a friend from drowning.
Logan Folger, 14, was rushed to Sheffield Children's Hospital last Saturday after an emergency response team dragged him from the Chesterfield Canal.
The lad bravely dived into the water to save a friend who'd run into trouble and was struggling. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at hospital.
Since his death, tributes have poured in for the young teen being dubbed a hero for his selfless actions.
The most heart-wrenching message was found in the form of a note nailed to a tribute tree near the canal.
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Logan's mum Stacey Bentley, 35, wrote: “Please can you all stay away from the water and keep safe. Love from Logan’s mum.”
And she told The Sun on Wednesday: "It was of some comfort that he managed to save his friend who I don’t think could swim. He is a hero.
"But I wish he’d been selfish and too scared to go into the water himself because he would still be alive today."
The mum-of-six from Chesterfield, added that her son was as a “lovable rogue” who would “do anything for anybody and had a heart of gold".
She said: “We are all absolutely devastated. I still can’t believe he has gone."
On the Derbyshire Times Facebook page, one man said: "When your bravery over exceeds your own life, that makes you a hero and one special boy. Well done buddy, sleep well.”
Another wrote: “Such a terrible loss at a young age. RIP young hero.”
At an inquest on Tuesday, coroner Peter Nieto said: "Initial circumstances reported by police are that on 18 August Logan was swimming with two friends in the canal in Staveley when one friend got into difficulty in the water.
"Logan and a friend tried to assist that friend and Logan himself got into difficulty and went underwater for a prolonged period."
A devastated family friend wrote on the Facebook group that a "big send off" event is being held in Logan's honour on Friday afternoon.
He wrote: "Try to all bring your balloons, blue smoke bombs, anything as long as you’re only there for Logan.”
A Derbyshire police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with Logan’s family and friends at this time.
“We do not believe there to be any suspicious circumstances.”
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, who pulled Logan from the canal, said the crew were devastated to hear of his death.
“I would like to extend the thoughts and sympathy of everyone at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and to the family and friends of the deceased at this distressing time,” group manager Lee Williams said.
“It’s yet another reminder of how dangerous open water can be due to hidden currents or debris, and the risk of cold-water shock."
The inquest has been adjourned until November.
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