Funeral date set for popular teenager who died after suffering leg pain

Dean Carney, from Leigh, went to his doctors surgery on Friday, May 31 after he had a pain in the top of his leg for a few days.

The 19-year-old was given painkillers following his visit.

His dad, also named Dean, 49, went to check on him the following day, last Saturday, at 5.20am and discovered that he had passed away.

Enquiries are ongoing to find out the cause of Dean's death.

The funeral of Dean, who went to Westleigh High School, will take place at Howe Bridge Crematorium on Monday, June 17 at 3.15pm.

Everybody is welcome to attend and those who go are asked to wear the shirts of their favourite football or rugby teams in keeping with Dean's love of sport.

Alternatively people can wear bright colours with jeans.

After the service, mourners will be invited to join friends and family at the Spinners Arms on Firs Lane for refreshments.

Dean worked at Sainsbury's and as a delivery driver for Balti Hut takeaway on Wigan Road.

Dean with his mum Sharon and dad Dean

Paying tribute to him, Dean's mum Sharon, 48, said: "Dean was a very bubbly lad with a massive heart.

"He was very family-orientated and adored his four nieces and one nephew.

"Dean was well known and wherever we went people of all ages would say 'hello' to him.

"He touched many people with his kindness and would do anything for anyone.

"Dean and I were so proud to call him our son. He was one of a kind, that's for sure.

"He didn't drink but it didn't stop him going out having a good night with his friends.

"Dean was known as 'Deano' and his main best friend was his dad. The bond between them was so strong.

"Deano was like a mirror of his dad, they were like two peas in a pod."

Dean carrying his nephew Cohen alongside his dad

Tributes have flooded in for Dean since his death.

On social media, his former high school said: "Dean was always a cheerful soul when you met him.

"He was one of those people that had a smile that made others smile.

"Even after leaving Westleigh, he still kept in touch with people in his year group - sometimes acting as a taxi driver making sure everyone got home safely. Such was the character and nature of this young man."

Dean was a Manchester City football supporter and a Wigan Warriors rugby league fan who also watched Leigh Centurions play as well.

In his youth he established himself as a goalkeeper for Eastleigh Juniors F.C and Eagley Football Club in Bolton.

Dean, at the age of 14, with Bolton league and cup trophies that he won when he played for Eagley Football Club

Dean also played rugby league for Hindley ARLFC, and went on to represent the Waggon and Horses pub in Leigh in pool.

Paying tribute to Dean, an Eastleigh Juniors F.C spokesman said: "Dean was such a lovely lad who touched the lives of all the people he met.

"Our thoughts are with Dean's family at this sad time.

"Our deepest condolences from your Eastleigh family."

His former rugby league club said: "Hindley ARLFC are saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic passing of one of our former players Dean (Deano) Carney aged just 19.

"Popular Deano spent just a season with us here at Hindley, but once a Black and Gold always a Black and Gold.

"The club send their deepest condolences to the Carney family and to all those that knew and loved him."

As well as his mum and dad, Dean leaves behind his two older sisters, Hayley and Steph.

A crowdfunding appeal has been set up by Dean's friends to raise funds for his family to help to pay for his funeral.

To donate to it click here.