Scottish Catholic Observer

Kayden Walker, 12, was a pupil at St Mungo’s Academy in Glasgow’s East End. He died on Tuesday July 31 after being rescued from the River Tay on Sunday July 29 and flown to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow where he lost his fight for life.

Kayden, who was from Bridgeton and has three brothers, is believed to have been using a small surfboard known as a boogie board when he got into difficulty in the water.

Tragedy

Water rescue teams from the fire service were called into action to help Kayden as police and air ambulance crews were called to the scene.

Perth and Kinross Council confirmed they will now lead an investigation into the 12-year-old’s death.

A spokesman for the council said: “In line with normal practice, the council will be investigating an incident that happened on the River Tay at the weekend which has resulted in a fatality.”

Police inquiry

Police also confirmed enquires were ongoing into the death of Kayden.

This week his devastated family was visited by the chaplain and headteacher of St Mungo’s Academy, who offered prayers and support.

Support

Fr Liam McMahon, parish priest of St Michael’s Church Parkhead and school chaplain for St Mungo’s said: “I went to see the family this week with the headteacher of St Mungo’s, Ms Milton.

“I told them that all we can do in times of heartbreaking tragedy is pray for Kayden and offer Mass.

“Prayer is found in Eucharist and the Mass is the greatest prayer we can offer, it’s all we can turn to in times as tragic as these.

“We have that Faith that gives us hope and the Eucharist provides us with the strength we need to cope but it is still very difficult to go into a house that is grieving such a loss.

“That family’s pain is so deep the only person that can touch that pain is God the Father and I told the family I would pray for God to touch their pain.

“The ministry of presence is very important in these circumstances and just being there for people is crucial.”

Fundraiser

A GoFundMe page has been set up in memory of Kayden as friends offer support to the family and within one week the total has surpassed £5,000.

It is understood that St Mungo’s Academy will hold a Mass for Kayden when the school returns next week.

It is also understood that four children from the school witnessed the tragic death of Kayden and will be offered counselling as a result.