THE HEARTBROKEN family of a teenager who died while swimming in a lake have paid tribute as he is pictured for the first time.
Valentine Ikechukwu died after struggling while swimming 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.
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