This is the first picture of a ‘lovely caring’ teenager who died after his motorcycle plunged into a canal in west London.
Thinad Agathangelou’s body was spotted in the Grand Union Canal in Southall at 11am on Bank holiday Monday.
The 19-year-old mechanic had been out for a ride next to the water when he crashed.
Police are investigating and believe the incident happened sometime between 3pm on Sunday 25 May and the time he was found the following day.
His mother Anna, 53, told Metro: ‘He was a lovely caring son who would do anything for anyone.
‘I saw him on the Saturday before he died, he came round for dinner. He was his normal self, very helpful and fun to be around.
‘He was working in a garage which specialises in converting camper vans. He loved the job and was looking forward to the future. I am heartbroken.’
She said she did not know why her son, who lived in Hendon, was in Southall when he died and said she hoped the police investigation would shed more light on the incident.
She added: ‘As far as I know he didn’t have any friends or know anyone in Southall. I have a lot of questions that I hope the investigation can help answer. We are in the dark really.
‘He did love bikes starting with bicycles and then motorbikes. They were his passion. How he ended up on the canal we don’t know.
‘I spoke to the man who found him floating. Apparently, he was wearing his helmet and because of that he came to the surface.
‘He was a very bright boy as well and had lots of friends. On the day he came to my house he offered to go to B&Q for me to get some stuff for the garden. He was a loving, thoughtful son.’
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Flowers and cards have been left on the towpath next to the point where Tommy hit the water.
A framed picture of him celebrating his 17th birthday with a cake had also been placed at the scene.
One card from his girlfriend says: ‘You have no idea how much I love and miss you.
‘You were the most perfect person I ever met. I will miss your contagious laugh … I will cherish the moments we had.’
The caretaker for housing estate next to the scene said residents were ‘deeply shocked’.
He told Metro: ‘People are very shocked and upset. We just don’t know how this could have happened. It’s not as if you can ride fast along the towpath as it’s narrow.’
A police appeal has been launched for any camera footage covering the stretch of canal where the crash happened.
The Met said: ‘Between about 3pm on Sunday May 25 and 11am on Monday 26 a man and motorbike have entered the Grand Union Canal behind Carter Court in Southall.
‘Sadly, the man was deceased when he was found. Police are appealing for any Ring Doorbell footage or CCTV from around that time.’
Meanwhile the teenager’s family and friends have set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to help with funeral costs.
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