Tributes to "golden boy" Samson as Wigan murder investigators continue to quiz teenagers

The body of 18-year-old Samson Price was found in the waters of Westwood Flash on Sunday afternoon after concern for his welfare had been raised over his failure to return from a fishing trip the day before.

Although a formal identification has yet to take place, the victim has been widely named locally as the former Hawkley Hall High School pupil.

Three people - men aged 18 and 19 plus a 17-year-old boy - have subsequently been arrested on suspicion of Samson's murder and remaining in custody for questioning.

The canal at Poolstock is sealed off as forensic examiners continue their work at the scene

Chief Insp Liz Sanderson, of GMP's Wigan division, said: "This is clearly a devastating incident and one that has left a family understandably shattered. We have officers supporting them through this unimaginably distressing time.

"We have a dedicated team of officers who will be working around the clock on this investigation and whilst we have three people in custody, our enquiries are at a very early stage and we are keeping an open mind.

“We will do all that we can to fully establish the circumstances of the man's death and provide his family with much-needed answers.”

The late teenager's mum Rosanna told the Manchester Evening News that the tragedy had left his family "broken," adding: "He never had an enemy.

"He never held a grudge and couldn't be upset. He just had no badness in him, he just wanted everyone to enjoy themselves and for everyone to be happy.

"He was so proud to be from Wigan. He loved Wigan.

"He was just loved by everybody.

"He was so spoilt. His nickname was Golden Boy because he was spoiled and got away with everyhting.

"He lit up a room."

His dad Samson Snr described him as a "wonderful young man."

Orrell St James's ARLFC, for whom Samson played, took to social media to pay tribute to the 18-year-old, saying: "Everyone at OSJ are devastated to hear the tragic news that one of our young players, Samson Price, was found dead yesterday.

"Our sympathy goes out to his family and friends at this sad time. RIP Samson."

Forensic examiners continue to work at the scene which has involved the closing off the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Leigh branch near to Helmsman Way, Poolstock and the new A49 flyover.

Samson had been missing since Saturday night and his photograph was shared on Facebook as people tried to find him.

An online appeal has been set up to raise money for a funeral and much of the £5,000 target has already been met.

Donations to the online appeal for a funeral can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/samsons-funeral-fund

Anyone with information about what happened is asked to contact police on 0161 856 9908, quoting incident 1457 of October 4.

Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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