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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Douglas Whitbread & Sophie Halle-Richards

Tragedy as 'amazing' teen dies after falling 120ft during Lake District trip with family

The family of an "amazing" teenager who died after falling 120ft during a trip to the Lake District have paid a heartbreaking tribute to him.

Khalil Ahmed, 48, was on a "bonding exercise" with his 15-year-old son Sami last month when their day out quickly turned into a "nightmare" when the tragedy struck.

The dad-of-four had just climbed The Old Man of Coniston peak with Sami and several of his cousins and uncles. The teen was 10 minutes ahead walking ahead with his cousins when he chose to descend a "dangerous" section of terrain alone.

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It's believed he sadly lost his footing and fell approximately 120ft to his death. Mr Ahmed, a health charity worker, said he had no idea what had happened to his son until he caught up with the group.

"It was a family trip after Eid," said Khalil. "We always did a bonding exercise with the nephews, brothers and uncles. It was a happy occasion which turned into a nightmare.

The father and son had been walking in the Lake District when the tragedy occurred (SWNS)

"We climbed Old Man of Coniston and then ventured on to Down Crag. The youngsters were 10 minutes ahead of us, leading, but we could see them in our vision. Unfortunately, Sami didn't carry on to the path that was the long way round. They [him and his cousin] took a more dangerous route.

"They went off to Goat Lake and he lost his footing and fell. We didn't know he went that way. It was only when I caught up to them that I realised Sami was not with them. They told me he went the other way. Even then I didn't think anything bad would happen."

Khalil, from Bradford, West Yorks, said Sami had a "wonderful character" and regularly helped him complete community work in his free time.

He said: "Sami was just an amazing, dignified boy that made everybody smile. He had the most wonderful character and was compassionate. The wonderful thing about him being my son is he would support me with everything.

Sami Ahmed (SWNS)

"We did a weekly litter pick and Sami would always join us. Which teenager comes out, without me even asking him, to clean a park. He was so conscious of doing the right thing. He never strayed away to smoke, or anything like that, and would never upset anyone. Sami never swore, it was never in his character."

Khalil also said his son was a role model within his family and would always help his sick mum when she needed assistance.

He added: "He understood his role was also to help his mum. He would do the washing and the cleaning, more than I or the girls would. His bedroom was always spotless.

"He was such a good family person and an amazing brother to his two older sisters and younger sister. He did not want to be noticed for his expensive trainers or clothing. He wanted me to not spend too much money on him.

Khalil Ahmed and his son Sami (SWNS)

"His friends told me that if they were having a bad day when they saw Sami and his smile, they thought today is going to be awesome. He was witty and funny. He would call me KP because my head is shaped a little bit like a peanut. I am going to miss him calling me that."

Sami attended The Dixons City Academy, Bradford, and played football for local teams Phoenix FC and Thackley Lightning - and has three sisters, aged six, 23 and 25.

Sami's funeral and burial, which was attended by family, friends and Dixons City Academy Principal Michael Feely, took place at Scholemoor cemetery, in Bradford, on June 13.

And speaking after his funeral, dad Khalil said he hoped to mentor children who had lost their parents in the future to keep his son's legacy alive.

Read more of today's top stories here

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