THE father of a Bradford teenager who tragically died while on a family climb in the Lake district has paid a heartbreaking tribute to his son.
Sami Ahmed, of West Bowling, fell from a significant height at the Intermediate Gulley on Dow Crag on Sunday.
Dad Khalil Ahmed said his 15-year-old son was a "supportive and witty" young person with a "wonderful smile".
The Dixons City Academy Year 10 pupil, who played football for local teams Phoenix FC and Thackley Lightning, cared dearly for his three sisters, aged six, 23 and 25.
The school described Sami as a "fantastic young man" and an "excellent sportsman".
Read: Dixons City Academy pay tribute to Sami Ahmed
Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus about what happened on the day, Mr Ahmed said: "It was a family trip after Eid.
"We always did a bonding exercise with the nephews, brothers and uncles.
"It was a happy occasion which turned into a nightmare.
"We climbed Old Man of Coniston and then ventured on to Down Crag. The youngsters were 10 minutes ahead of us, leading, but we could see them in our vision.
"Unfortunately, Sami didn’t carry on to the path that was the long way round. They (him and his cousin) took a more dangerous route.
"They went off to Goat Lake and he lost his footing and fell.
"We didn’t know he went that way. It was only when I caught up to them that I realised Sami was not with them.
"They told me he went the other way. Even then I didn’t think anything bad would happen."
Tributes for Sami have come flooding into the Telegraph & Argus through our Book of Condolence and Facebook page over the past few days.
Mr Ahmed was keen to pay his own tribute to his son.
"Sami was just an amazing, dignified boy that made everybody smile," he said.
"He had the most wonderful character and was compassionate.
"He was such a good family person and an amazing brother to his two older sisters and younger sister. He was piggy in the middle our Sami.
"He understood his role was also to help his mum. He would do the washing and the cleaning, more than I or the girls would. His bedroom was always spotless.
"He did not want to be noticed for his expensive trainers or clothing. He wanted me to not spend too much money on him.
"His friends told me that if they were having a bad day when they saw Sami and his smile, they thought today is going to be awesome."
Mr Ahmed added: "The wonderful thing about him being my son is he would support me with everything.
"We did a weekly litter pick and Sami would always join us. Which teenager comes out, without me even asking him, to clean a park.
"He was so conscious of doing the right thing. He never strayed away to smoke, or anything like that, and would never upset anyone.
"Sami never swore, it was never in his character.
"He respected and loved his sisters in a way a younger brother should do. They valued him and that relationship was beginning to blossom and it was wonderful to see.
"He was witty and funny. He would call me KP because my head is shaped a little bit like a peanut. I am going to miss him calling me that."
Sami's classmates and their parents also paid their respects.
Ania Groborz-Manu said: "It was a pleasure watching you grow from Reception to Year 10. You were such a kind, funny soul and you'll be sorely missed by everyone that you've met and easily had such a good impact on."
VISIT: Telegraph & Argus' Book of Condolence for Sami Ahmed
Shazana Mahmood added: "I am deeply saddened by what's happened. My daughter, Simrah, was in the same class as Sami and she can't stop talking about him. He will be deeply missed by all."
Sameena Rashid said: "I can’t imagine what the parents are going through. He was a good kid, my daughter went to primary school with him and he lived in the neighbourhood."
Sami's funeral and burial, which was attended by family, friends and Dixons City Academy Principal Michael Feely, took place at Scholemoor cemetery on Wednesday afternoon.
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