Tributes paid to ‘well-loved' teenager who died swimming in lake
The family of a 16-year-old college student who died after taking a swim in a lake have paid tribute to their 'well-loved son and brother'.
Valentine Ikechukwu got into difficulty while swimming with friends at Colwick Country Park, Nottingham, on one of the hottest days of the year on Wednesday.
Emergency services were called to the scene at 5.20pm after the teenager disappeared below the surface at the beauty spot.
A police underwater search team assisted by fire crews launched a search for the student and his body 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.'
Det Insp Gail Routledge, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: '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.'
A file is being prepared for the coroner.
Fire brigade bosses have also issued a warning about swimming in open water when the weather is warm.
Group manager Tom Staples, of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: 'On behalf of the service, and personally, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the boy's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
'This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of open water. We urge everyone to take care around lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water.
'Safety information and guidance are available on our website, and we encourage the public to familiarise themselves with it to help prevent future tragedies.'
Cllr Sam Lux, executive member for carbon reduction, leisure and culture at Nottingham city council, which manages the site, added: 'This is an absolutely tragic incident and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the young person who has sadly died.
'We will be working with Notts Police and Notts Fire and Rescue Service to understand the full circumstances of what happened but we join with them in highlighting the extreme dangers that open water such as lakes, rivers, quarries or canals can present.
'As the current warm spell continues and as we approach the summer season we urge people to follow the guidance at Colwick park and other sites and not enter the water unless as part of properly supervised open water swimming sessions.'
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