THE family of a teenage rugby player who tragically died nearly four years ago hope to get answers from a forthcoming inquest.

Harry Sykes, 16, died while on a trip to Carcassonne in southern France with Halifax Elite Rugby Academy in September 2018.

The former Queensbury ARLFC player, from Clayton Heights, was reported missing while on the trip and his body was recovered from a lake by police on September 5.

A pre-inquest review held last year heard that in 2017, and earlier on that particular day in 2018, there had been incidents of people drowning or getting into swimming difficulties which were reported by other members of the public.

An inquest into his death will begin on Monday at Bradford Coroners' Court and will be led by Senior Coroner Martin Fleming.

Speaking ahead of the hearing, Harry's mother, Natasha, raised questions about the planning of the trip.  

Gareth Naylor, director and head of personal injury and inquest law at Ison Harrison Solicitors, has been instructed to act on behalf of Harry’s family.

He said: “Harry’s family have shown a great deal of dignity, patience and courage during the course of this long investigation.

"The family hope that this investigation will carefully investigate the events surrounding the preparation of the trip, the adequacy of supervision whilst at the lake and also the organisational and safeguarding aspects to prevent future deaths.

"We must ensure that our young people are protected by ensuring that no trip can be allowed to proceed without proper planning and safeguarding.”

Scores of heartfelt tributes were left following the news of Harry’s death and the rugby league family rallied around in a show of strength.

Hundreds of people turned out for his funeral and his father said: “Our house seems so quiet without Harry and we miss him more than words can describe.”

The teenager was described as "fully committed to rugby league" and was a player who never missed training or a game. He was voted Clubman of the Year at Queensbury's under-15s and his dream was to play professional rugby.

In a statement, his former school, Lightcliffe Academy, said: "Harry was a popular and well-liked member of our school community and will be hugely missed by staff and students."

The Rugby Football League said its thoughts and prayers were with Harry's family, friends and teammates.

The inquest into Harry's death is due to last for two weeks and is likely to hear from a number of witnesses.