People pay tribute to Bradford teenager who fell to his death during a hike

Image by Phoenix Football Academy

Year 10 Dixon Academy student Sami Ahmed tragically died after he slipped and fell to his death on Sunday while on a hike with his family in the Lake District.

The Bradford teenager fell ‘30 to 40 metres from Intermediate Gulley on Dow Crag and was using the gulley as a descent route’ according to reports.

Tributes have been pouring in for the boy after the news of his untimely demise spread in the community.

His father, Khalil Ahmed, paid an emotional tribute to his beloved son in a Facebook post where he wrote: “My dear brothers and sisters my beautiful Sami was involved in a tragic accident yesterday (Sunday 10 July) whilst climbing in the Lakes.

My heart is broken the lifeblood and heartbeat of my family is gone. His time was only short on this earth, but what he gave me in those short years was something I can’t quantify. He was beautiful, dignified and my best friend.

Pray for him, pray for my family. I wouldn’t wish this tragedy on my worst enemy. I am broken into tiny little pieces. He has gone to Jannah but left us bereft and only existing. We breathe but we’re not living.”

Sami was a budding football player and had been a member of the Phoenix Football Academy for several years. The Academy described him as a ‘very talented young man’.

His school principal Michael Feely also wrote a heartfelt letter stating: “Sami was hiking with his family in the Lake District when he slipped and fell from a significant height.

I know many of you know and care about Sami and his family and will be deeply affected by this news.

Students have been notified of the news today and offered counselling and ongoing support.

Three counsellors will be in school tomorrow and will be available for students, staff, and especially Sami’s many close friends.

Sami was a fantastic young man who was kind, polite, and hardworking.

He was the epitome of everything great about our community and was loved by students and staff.

He was an excellent sportsman and always went out of his way to help others. We will miss him dearly.

In time, we will be working with Sami’s family, friends, and teachers to consider how we want to remember Sami and the positive legacy he has left in our school.

For now, our priority is to respond thoughtfully and sensitively to Sami’s family and friends, ensuring they have the support they need.”

A spokesman for Cumbria Police confirmed that the death was not being treated as suspicious. Many in the community, who knew the young boy, also came forward to pay tribute to him, and gave their condolences to his family and friends.