Tributes have been pouring in for a Bradford teenager who fell to his death while on a hike on Sunday.
Sami Ahmed is said to have been hiking with his family in the Lake District when he slipped and fell. He had fallen 30 to 40 metres from Intermediate Gulley on Dow Crag and was using the gulley as a descent route.
Father Khalil Ahmed led the tributes with an emotional post on his Facebook page.
He said: “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.”
The year 10 Dixon Academy student’s school also paid tribute.
Dixons City Academy Principal Michael Feely’s letter read: “With tremendous sadness, I write to inform you about Sami Ahmed, a Year 10 student at our academy, who passed away over the weekend.
“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.”
Phoenix Football Academy where Sami had been a member for a number of years, described Sami as a ‘very talented young man’
They too shared a moving tribute for their ‘bright star’:
“Sami Ahmed tragically passed away in a rock-climbing accident in the lakes. Sami had been with the club for a number of years and was a very talented young man.
“He was destined to play in our first team, calm, cool and never flustered. Quiet boy off the pitch but gave defenders nightmares on it. Could play with both feet and always played with a smile. He just had natural ability on the ball.
“You will be missed that’s for sure”
A Cumbria Police spokesman said the death was not being treated as suspicious.
A spokesman for Coniston Mountain Rescue Team expressed their sincere condolences to the young man’s family and friends.
He said: “Any incident of this type is extremely sad, and heart-breaking for all involved, and we would urge people of all ages to treat the hills and crags with respect.
“We would like to express our sincere condolences to the young man’s family and friends.”
Sami Ahmed’s funeral is expected to take place today at 130pm at Madni Masjid on Newton Street, Bradford 5, with the burial taking place shortly after at Scholemoor Cemetery.
