THE Crown Office has confirmed that there will be no fatal accident inquiry into the death of a mother and son who drowned at Aberdeen Beach last year.
Six-year-old Lucas Walker and his mum Julie, 37, died in rough seas at the Beach Esplanade on August 20 last year after she tried to save him.
His older brother Samuel was hailed a hero after he and others braved the choppy waters to try to rescue both of them.
Lucas and Julie were transported to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, but she and Lucas subsequently died. Samuel was hospitalised as well as a 25-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman who tried to help.
A spokesman for the Crown Office said: “The procurator fiscal received a report in connection with the death of a 37-year-old woman and a six-year-old boy in Aberdeen on August 20, 2016.
“After careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, the procurator fiscal concluded no further investigation is required. The family have been informed of this decision.”
A review was ordered following the tragedy, leading to the setting up of the Aberdeen Water Safety Group.
The group consists of members of the RNLI, Aberdeen City Council, the Royal Life Saving Society UK, the coastguard, police and fire services.
Aberdeen Water Safety Group chairman Dan Price-Davies declined to comment on the lack of an FAI. But he added: “The loss of two lives at Aberdeen beach was a horrific and tragic event.”
Classmates of Lucas at Bramble Brae School were joined by his relatives when they paid tribute to him by releasing balloons.
Police launched a major investigation in the aftermath.
Chief Inspector Stewart Mackie said at the time: “This is a very tragic incident which has resulted in a woman and young boy sadly losing their lives.”
Some people reacted on social media at the decision not to hold a fatal accident inquiry.
One man wrote on Facebook: “That’s the conclusion that the procurator fiscal has decided, after gathering all the information available. They don’t just open an envelope and decide that morning, “Nah! Can’t be bothered!” Another added: “She did what any mother would have done.”
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