Bolton, UK — What began as an urgent search for a missing teenager has ended in tragedy. The body of 19-year-old Daniel Holden, who had been missing since Friday night, was discovered in Lower Rivington Reservoir on Sunday, August 31. His sudden death has devastated his family, friends, and the wider Bolton community.
Missing Person Appeal Sparks Community Concern
Daniel was last seen on the evening of Friday, August 29, near Luciano’s restaurant, close to Lower Rivington Reservoir. When he did not return home, his family reported him missing, prompting Lancashire Police to issue an urgent public appeal for information on his whereabouts.
Officers, along with specialist search teams, combed the reservoir area throughout Saturday, August 30. Locals joined the effort, sharing missing posters and appeals across social media in hopes of locating Daniel safely.
Discovery of His Body
Tragically, the search came to an end on Sunday, August 31, when underwater teams located a body in the reservoir. Daniel was pulled from the water and pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement issued Tuesday, a spokesperson for Lancashire Police confirmed:
“Following reports of a concern for welfare for a man believed to be in the Rivington area, officers were in the area of Lower Rivington Reservoir since the afternoon of Saturday, August 30. Following an underwater search on Sunday, August 31, very sadly the body of a 19-year-old man was found in the reservoir. Sadly, and despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Police added that Daniel’s death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner.
Tributes from Football Community
Daniel was a promising young man with strong ties to local football. Tributes have poured in from teammates, friends, and community members who described him as dedicated, energetic, and kind-hearted.
Horwich RMI Amateur Football Club, where Daniel had once played, released a heartfelt message on Facebook:
“RIP Daniel Holden, our former player. Thoughts go out to family and friends in this very sad time.”
Friends also took to social media, recalling his sense of humor, his love for football, and the joy he brought to those around him. One tribute read: “He was the type of person who could light up any room. Gone far too soon.”
A Town in Mourning
The news of Daniel’s death has left Bolton in mourning. The teenager’s disappearance and the search that followed had gripped the community, and many were holding onto hope for a safe return.
Now, in the aftermath of his passing, friends and community members are rallying together to support Daniel’s family. Vigils and gatherings are expected in the coming days as residents look for ways to honor his memory.
Local leaders have also expressed condolences, noting that tragedies like this serve as painful reminders of the risks posed by open water and the importance of community solidarity during times of grief.
Questions Remain
While police have confirmed that the incident is not suspicious, the coroner’s inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death. Authorities are also expected to review safety around Lower Rivington Reservoir, which has been the site of previous incidents involving water safety.
Campaigners have once again urged young people to be mindful of the dangers of swimming or venturing too close to reservoirs, especially during the late evening hours.
Remembering Daniel Holden
At just 19, Daniel had his whole future ahead of him. His love for football, his close friendships, and his role as a son, teammate, and friend will remain etched in the memories of those who knew him best.
Though his life was cut tragically short, the outpouring of grief and remembrance reflects the deep mark he left on his community.
As one friend wrote in a public tribute: “Rest in peace, Daniel. We’ll never forget you.”
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