Mum of boy who died in River Kelvin pays tribute to 'forever 15' son
The mum of a teenage boy who died in a river in Glasgow said "her heart is broken" in a moving tribute to her son.
Emilis Vanagas, 15, died in the River Kelvin near Maryhill Road on July 12.
Emergency services including a rescue helicopter were called to the river in the west of the city at 6.40pm.
The schoolboy was pulled from the water after a five-hour search. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
His mum Daiva Daivute, from Maryhill, led the tributes to her son who had celebrated his 15th birthday last month.
She said: "My heart is broken, my dear son.
"I am very proud of him, the light of my life that went out too soon.
"We are very sad that his life ended so tragically. He still had a lot to do in his life, we will miss him very much.
"I would do anything to get him back in our lives.
"Always re membered and never forgotten. Forever 15."
The circumstances behind how the teenager, known as "Emz" to pals, ended up in the water remain unclear.
Devastated loved ones took to social media to hail the youngster "a hero".
Emilis' aunt, Ema Kaftanikaitė said: "Our family is heartbroken. We lost my beloved nephew Emilis far too soon – he was only 15 years old.
"His life was full of love, laughter, and dreams that will now remain unfulfilled. No parent should ever have to bury their child.
"We want to give him the farewell he deserves – with love, dignity, and peace. Rest in peace, sweet Emilis – we will never forget you."
His aunt Patrycja Majewska said: "Emilis had just celebrated his 15th birthday and he had his whole of his life ahead of him.
"His parents tragically got the news on Saturday and found Emilis in the river close to their house.
"Unfortunately he was pronounced dead at the scene. He lost his life but saved two other lives and always will be remembered as a hero.
"His parents are devastated after this tragic loss."
His uncle Martinas Kaftanikas added: "Love you forever, my boy."
Molly Gibbs said: "I am devastated with the news of what happened. "He was the sweetest boy ever and I can't believe he is gone. Everyone loved him and he died a hero." Sophia Moss Muir said: 'He was genuinely the nicest boy I've met."He was always making sure everyone was okay and died a hero.I can't believe he's gone." Michael Dorran said: "I was one Emilis' first pals when he moved to Cleveden. "I am devastated about this, and will do everything I can to make him proud up there."He'll never be forgotten. He'd always put others before himself and died a hero and will be remembered."
Local youth project G20 also paid tribute to the youngster. They said: "Our community is mourning the loss of a 15-year-old boy whose life was taken far too soon. As you can imagine, no family is ever prepared for something like this."
Family and friends will gather to remember the teen at a balloon release in the Celtic-daft teen's memory at the Stockingfield Bridge in Maryhill at 5:30pm on Saturday, July 19.
Wellwishers have donated more than £2000 to a fundraiser to help his family with funeral costs.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "Around 6.40pm on Saturday, 12 July, 2025, a search and rescue operation was launched following a report of a 15-year-old male in the River Kelvin, near Maryhill Road, Glasgow.
"Emergency services attended and around 11.30pm the body of a male was recovered from the water.
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