A 16-year-old boy who died after getting into difficulty while swimming in a lake in Nottingham has been named as Valentine Ikechukwu.
The Nottingham College student was pronounced dead after a multi-agency search operation at Nottingham’s Colwick Country Park on Wednesday evening.
In a statement issued through police, the teenager’s family described him as a “well-loved” son and brother to his three sisters and baby brother.
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.”
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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.”
It comes as the UK saw higher-than-average temperatures this week.
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On Wednesday, Nottinghamshire Police’s chief inspector David Mather reacted to news of the body being discovered saying: “This is a tragic discovery and our thoughts are with this boy’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“While work is now under way to understand how the boy came into difficulty, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water – regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently.”
The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
