A BOY who died while swimming at a popular lake has been named, as teachers say he “brought light and character” to his school.
Emotional tributes have poured in for 16-year-old Daniel Drewitt, who was tragically recovered from the water in Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield last night.
AlamyDaniel Drewitt, 16, was sadly found dead at Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield last night[/caption]
AlamyEmergency services were called to the lake at around 6pm on Thursday[/caption]
AlamyThe whole of Powell’s Pool was cordoned off with police tape[/caption]
Staff at Colmers School and Sixth Form College have paid tribute to the Year 11 pupil.
A spokesperson said: “Daniel was a young man who brought light and character to our entire school community; he was confident, full of life, a talented sportsman and so deeply loved by staff and fellow pupils alike.
“His warm presence and positive spirit will be sorely missed.
“We know how deeply this loss will be felt by many and we are committed to ensuring no member of our school community feels alone in their grief.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Daniel’s family.”
This comes after West Midlands Police were called to Powell’s Pool in Sutton Park, Birmingham, at around 6pm on Thursday.
An urgent search was launched to locate the teenager, with specialist officers scouring the area.
Fire service rescue crews from Bickenhill and nearby Sutton Coldfield were also called to the scene.
West Midlands Fire Service confirmed they also arrived just after 6pm.
The whole of Powell’s Pool was cordoned off with police tape.
Daniel was sadly recovered from the water at around 10pm.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the 16-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cops say the death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.
The Our Sutton Park community group has thanked fishermen, who reportedly jumped in the water to try and help Daniel.
The group said it wanted to send its “deepest condolences to the parents of the young boy”.
Raymond Stewart, who regularly fishes in the lake, told the BBC: “It’s a tragedy really, such a young life lost.
“When I’m fishing here you see people swimming here all the time.
“I was here last Wednesday and there must have been 15 get in the pool.”
There are signs posted around the lake warning people not to swim, however it is still a popular spot, said Raymond.
Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton said it came as a “terrible tragedy”.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “The body of a teenage boy has been recovered from a pool in Sutton Park, Birmingham, this evening.
“West Midlands Police are supporting the family of the boy at this tragic time.
“Extensive efforts by all emergency services were carried out following the boy going missing in the water just after 6pm.
“Specialist teams were deployed from fire and rescue, ambulance colleagues, and Birmingham City Council colleagues.
“Sadly this has resulted in the boy’s body being found and our thoughts are with his family at this time.
“His death is not being treated as suspicious at this time and we are liaising with the coroner.”
This comes after Midlands Air Ambulance previously announced there were 18 accidental drowning deaths in the West Midlands region last year.
The charity urged people to be mindful in the water.
In 2001 teenager Fraser Amiss died after diving into Powell’s Pool with a couple of pals.
AlamyDaniel’s death is not being treated as suspicious[/caption]
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