A somber announcement from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service confirms a joint Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) will investigate the tragic drownings of a 12-year-old boy and a 39-year-old man in Scottish rivers, incidents occurring five years apart.
The inquiry seeks to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the deaths of Kayden Walker and Ruaridh Stevenson, both of whom perished during water-based outdoor activities in separate incidents.
Kayden Walker, a young boy from Bridgeton, Glasgow, tragically drowned on July 28, 2019, after becoming ensnared on the upstream side of a weir. He was participating in a river boarding session on the River Tay, near Stanley, Perthshire, when he was separated from his board.
The announcement of the FAI follows recent legal action, with Outdoor Pursuits Scotland Ltd facing prosecution in October 2024 for health and safety failings directly linked to Kayden’s untimely death.
The inquiry will also delve into the death of Mr. Ruaridh Stevenson, from Cupar, Fife. Mr. Stevenson drowned on April 13 last year in the waters flowing through Glen Tilt, Perthshire, while attempting to assist a client who encountered difficulties during a water-based activity.
While the inquiry into Stevenson’s death is a mandatory requirement due to its occurrence during his work, the Crown Office has voluntarily initiated an FAI for Kayden’s death, underscoring the gravity and public interest in the case.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who oversees fatalities investigations for COPFS, stated that the Lord Advocate believes both deaths occurred under “similar circumstances,” emphasizing their connection to water-based outdoor activities.
The Procurator Fiscal will present comprehensive evidence to the FAI, detailing the facts and circumstances surrounding both Kayden and Stevenson’s deaths. This will include a crucial examination of the existing regulation and safety standards concerning canyoning and river boarding activities throughout Scotland, aiming to prevent future tragedies.
This joint inquiry represents a significant step towards understanding the risks associated with such pursuits and potentially implementing stricter safety measures, offering a measure of closure and ensuring accountability for these heartbreaking incidents in Scottish rivers.
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