THE mother of a young Bradford man who tragically drowned last month in the Yorkshire Dales has died following a battle with Covid-19.

Saima Bashir was in intensive care in Manchester, unaware her newlywed 18-year-old son had died.

The announcement was made on the Janaza Announcement page in a post published on Monday and marks a heart-wrenching double tragedy for the family.

Muhammad Bilal Zeb, from the BD9 area of the city, was swimming in a river on the evening of Friday, July 31, as temperatures shot above 30 degrees.

He is thought to have been dragged under by the current of the River Wharfe near Linton Falls in Grassington.

Members of the public tried to save his life and a local police community support officer tried to resuscitate the young man through CPR until the ambulance arrived.

But sadly, the teenager, who was only recently married, died at the scene.

In a post at the time, the Janaza Announcement page said: “Muhammad Bilal Zeb has sadly passed away by drowning at Linton Falls in the Yorkshire Dales. Bilal got married five weeks ago.

“Can you all pray for his mother who is in ICU Manchester due to COVID19 past 3 weeks.

“She doesn’t even know about her own son’s death.”

His funeral was held on August 6 at Scholemoor Cemetery and was streamed live on Facebook.

Many tributes and condolences have been left following the heartbreaking news of her death.

One person wrote: “That’s so sad mother and son passing away within weeks. May Allah grant them jannah.”

Another well-wisher added: “May you both be reunited in the next life.”

One comment said: “I was always thinking how this lady would be if she ever got better to find out about her son. I would not wish it upon any parents, mothers.”

Many tributes were also left to the young man following his death in an online book of condolence set up by the Telegraph & Argus.

One said: “What a sad loss.

“A lovely lad, a credit to his community and his lovely family. My prayers and thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.”

Another read: “Really upset by what has happened.

“Just gets you thinking about how short life really is. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.”

One person said they would always remember his “politeness and humility” and added: “My prayers are with you Bilal. I hope you’re at peace.”

“Always heartbreaking when a young person dies,” one tribute said.

“My heartfelt condolences for the family he has left behind.

“Time is the only healer with Allah’s help. Keep faith.”