A TEENAGER who tragically died after getting into difficulty while in a lake has been pictured for the first time as his family pay tribute.
Valentine Ikechukwu died after struggling in the water at Colwick Country Park in Nottinghamshire on Wednesday afternoon.
Valentine Ikechukwu, a Nottingham College student[/caption]
Colwick Country Park, Nottingham where the 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 and had sadly died “despite the tireless efforts of all the emergency services involved”.
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.
It comes after Britain had its hottest day of the year so far on Thursday.
Temperatures hit 28C in London and the South East, and 25C in the Midlands.
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