Friends and family say goodbye as Wigan teenager Samson Price makes his final journey

Friends and family turned out in force to say goodbye to 18-year-old Samson Price, whose funeral was held at St Matthew's Church in Highfield on Friday.

The funeral procession was led by two super cars, followed by the hearse, mourners walking on foot and two trailers carrying numerous floral tributes.

Among the tributes were flowers spelling "golden boy", "brother" and "grandson", while there were also photographs of Samson, a memorial in the shape of a bottle of Southern Comfort and another honouring his love of the Stone Roses.

People lined the streets and clapped as the procession went along the road towards the church.

Music was played as the coffin was carried into the church and a large screen was placed outside so mourners could watch the service.

Earlier this week, Samson's mum Rosanna Price told Wigan Today the service would be all about her beloved son, with songs that were important to him and tributes from his friends and family.

As his coffin was carried out of the church, a song named RIP SP, written by Samson’s cousin Kane Jones, performing as K Sav, was played.

Samson, who lived in Goose Green, was found dead at Westwood Flash on Sunday, October 4, leading to police launching a murder investigation.

He had recently started a plumbing course at Wigan and Leigh College, loved playing rugby and enjoyed watching bands.

Paying tribute to her son earlier this week, Mrs Price said: "He was care-free, he had a really happy-go-lucky way. Everything he seemed to touch went his way. He made friends very easily and he never had a problem. I know people say it, but he was our golden boy.

“He hated seeing anyone upset, he hated people being upset around him. He was always so full of life.

“He loved going to see bands and had plans to go to festivals. He had plans to get a camper van with his mates and they were going to tour everywhere.”

More than £5,000 was donated by friends and family to an online appeal set up to help pay for Samson's funeral.

There are plans for a charity rugby match and a fancy dress bike ride to Southport in his memory.

Police are continuing to investigate Samson’s death. Two men, aged 18 and 19, who were arrested on suspicion of murder, have been released on bail and a 17-year-old boy was released under investigation. Anyone with information about what happened can call police on 0161 856 7094.

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