British Broadcasting Corporation

Page last updated at 16:47 GMT, Monday, 15 June 2009 17:47 UK

Man killed in 'tombstoning' fall

Joel Scott
Joel Scott's family described a "brilliant footballer" who "loved life"

A 19-year-old man has died after falling from rocks into the River Wharfe in the Yorkshire Dales.

Joel Scott, from Guiseley in Leeds, suffered head and back injuries and died after being airlifted to Harrogate Hospital on Friday evening.

Witnesses at the scene of the accident in Burnsall said he and a friend had been "tombstoning" - jumping from rocks into the river, a drop of about 25ft.

Mr Scott's uncle, Gary Jackson, paid tribute to "a brilliant, outgoing kid".

He said: "Joel was a great sportsman and brilliant footballer. He loved life."

Mr Scott's uncle spoke of his pride at discovering that his nephew carried a donor card.

"It think it's fantastic that a young man of that age was on the donor register", he said.

He also praised the work of the Upper Wharfdale Fell Rescue Association and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance who helped Mr Scott in his final moments.

North Yorkshire Police said Mr Scott fell as he climbed up to the spot he had been jumping in from.

Advertisement

Joel Scott was taken to Harrogate Hospital by air ambulance



Print Sponsor


RELATED INTERNET LINKS
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS
Elite US marines train for possible Afghan posting
What does the "ClimateGate" affair mean for science?
What next for Sri refugees allowed out of camps?

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Explore the BBC

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific