Family have paid tribute to a 16-year-old boy who died after getting into difficulty whilst swimming at Colwick Country Park.
Nottingham College student, Valentine Ikechukwu, has been described as a “well loved” son and brother to his three sisters and baby brother.
Emergency services were called to Colwick Country Park at 5.20pm on Wednesday (30 April) after Valentine got into difficulty whilst swimming in the lake.
A multi-agency rescue operation was launched involving a police underwater search team, assisted by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.
He was discovered shortly before 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.”
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.
