A man whose body was recovered from the River Irwell in Salford has been formally identified as Richard Crawt, known as Rick, who was in his 40s.
The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have confirmed that his death is being treated as unexplained, and an urgent appeal for information has been launched to piece together his final movements.
Richard’s Last Known Location
Richard had been living in a blue tent believed to have been pitched on a sandy area near the Meadows in Salford as of Saturday, March 1.
Police are now working to establish a timeline of his movements leading up to his tragic death on Sunday, March 9, when his body was found near Riverside in Lower Broughton.
Family’s Emotional Tribute
Richard’s sister, Anne Marie, described him as a kind-hearted man who had fallen on hard times and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
“‘Our Rick’ had a heart of gold, he’d just fallen on some hard times in life. He was known and loved by many,” she said.
“This has completely shattered our world, it doesn’t seem real. Please, if anyone saw him or has any information that can help us piece together his last few days, please come forward. We just need some answers.”
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Detective Inspector Justin Bryant, from GMP’s Salford district, confirmed that investigators have been trawling CCTV footage and speaking with residents in an effort to understand how and why Richard ended up in the river.
“At this stage of our investigation, we are still working to establish Richard’s final movements and the circumstances that led him to the river,” DI Bryant said.
“We need your help. If you were in the vicinity of the River Irwell in Salford, around the Lower Broughton area and in particular the Meadows, or if you had any interaction with Richard in the days before his death, please speak with us, no matter how insignificant it may seem to you.”
How to Provide Information
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact GMP via:
📞 Call 0161 856 4585 or 101, quoting log number 2221 of 09/03/2025
📌 Report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Richard’s family and police are desperate for answers, and investigators are urging anyone who saw or interacted with him before his death to come forward.
