Tributes to ‘loveable’ disabled man and carer who died after falling into Wigan canal

The family of a “loveable” disabled man who died after falling into a canal have paid tribute to his carer who died trying to save him.

Aaron Ritchie, 49, and his carer, 60, both died during the desperate rescue attempt after Mr Ritchie fell into a canal, witnesses said.

The two men were both dragged out of the Crank Wood canal in Wigan by rescue crews at 2.15pm on Tuesday.

Tragically they both passed away in hospital the same afternoon.

Aaron’s family have paid tribute to him: “It’s come as a complete shock to us as a family surrounding the tragic accident of what happened on Tuesday afternoon.

“Aaron was a loveable character who made a big impression on everyone who knew him.

“Aaron had special needs and he loved the outdoor life and as long as he had his puzzles, laces and spinning tops he was happy. Aaron is surely going to be missed by us as a family.

“We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to his carers family and a special thank you to the emergency services who attended trying to save them.”

One local told The Independent: “They were walking. One of the men was quite elderly and fell in.

“It all happened behind the farm and is a very quiet stretch of the canal. My dad rushed down to see if he could help.

“We knew one man was dead and the other was taken to hospital. It’s so tragic.”

The next of kin of Aaron’s carer have been informed of his death.

Greater Manchester Police are investigating how they fell into the water but say at this early stage there are no suspicious circumstances.

Police were pictured at the scene alongside water rescue units and fire crews were also called to the rescue operation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday morning, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “At 2.15pm yesterday (Tuesday 28 November) Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of concerns for welfare at Crank Wood canal, Abram, Wigan.

“Specialist officers in a multi-agency emergency response attended the location, and two men aged 49 and 60 were taken to hospital for treatment. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, both men sadly passed away yesterday afternoon.

“Detectives believe that two men had entered the water and come into difficulty and at this time there are believed to be no suspicious circumstances, however, officers are currently working to establish the exact timeline of events leading up to this incident and enquiries remain ongoing.”