Twelve-year-old Kayden, from Bridgeton, Glasgow drowned after becoming trapped on the upstream side of a weir while on a day trip with a community group.
Kayden was separated from his board during a river boarding session on the River Tay, near the village of Stanley, Perthshire on 28 July 2019.
Ruaridh Stevenson, 39, from Cupar, Fife, also drowned after attempting to assist a client who experienced difficulties in the waters flowing through Dollar Glen, Stirlingshire on 13 April 2024.
Mr Stevenson was a director of a company which offered ‘canyoning’ experiences on Scottish rivers.
A preliminary hearing will be held on 2 September 2025 at Falkirk Sheriff Court.
The purpose of an FAI includes determining the cause of death, the circumstances in which the death occurred, and to establish what reasonable precautions could have been taken to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.
This FAI follows the prosecution of Outdoor Pursuits Scotland Ltd in October 2024 for a contravention of health and safety legislation which led to Kayden’s death.
Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than apportion blame.
The Procurator Fiscal, who acts in the public interest, will provide detailed and comprehensive evidence to the Inquiry on the facts and circumstances of Ruaridh Stevenson and Kayden Walker’s deaths, which will include a consideration of the regulation of canyoning and river boarding.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS, said:
“The Lord Advocate considers that the deaths of Ruaridh Stevenson and Kayden Walker occurred in similar circumstances, both deaths occurring while they were engaged in water based outdoor activities.
“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.
“The families of Ruaridh and Kayden will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”
Further information
For more information on Fatal Accident Inquiries, see the Crown’s guide