A TEENAGER who died after struggling while swimming in a lake has been pictured for the first time as his family pay tribute.
Valentine Ikechukwu died after getting into difficulty at Colwick Country Park in Nottinghamshire.
PAValentine Ikechukwu, a Nottingham College student[/caption] SWNSColwick Country Park, Nottingham where the body of a 16-year old boy was found[/caption]The 16-year-old’s family said touchingly: “He will remain in our hearts forever.”
Emergency services were called to Colwick Country Park at 5.20pm on Wednesday after the Nottingham College student got into difficulty.
A multi-agency rescue operation was launched involving a police underwater search team, assisted by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.
He was found at around 8pm.
In a statement, his family said: “Valentine will remain in our hearts forever. He was a well-loved son and brother, and we are absolutely devastated as a family.
“Long live Valentine, forever 16.
“He was a Nottingham College student and was well-liked amongst his friends. Words cannot describe what we are going through right now.
“We would kindly request for privacy so that we can grieve as a family and try to come to terms with what has happened to our Valentine.
“He will be forever missed.”
Detective Inspector Gail Routledge said: “Valentine’s family are being supported by specially trained officers following this incident.
“This was a tragedy where a young boy has lost his life. Our thoughts remain with Valentine’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
“While work continues to understand how Valentine came into difficulty, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the devastating consequences of entering open water – regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently.”
Valentine’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the Coroner.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( ‘Well-loved’ schoolboy, 16, who died after ‘getting into difficulty while swimming’ at popular park is pictured )
Also on site :