Police in the United Kingdom has recovered the body of a Nigerian teenager, master Valentine Ikechukwu, who drowned while swimming at Colwick Country Park on April 30.
In a statement issued by Nottinghamshire Police, the 16-year-old reportedly encountered difficulties while in the water.
Emergency services were contacted around 5:20pm on the day of the incident, prompting a swift search and rescue mission.
The operation, which involved a police underwater search team and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, led to the recovery of the teenager’s body shortly before 8pm.
The statement reads: “Emergency services were called to Colwick Country Park at 5.20 pm on Wednesday, April 30, 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 8 pm.”
Meanwhile, detective Inspector Gail Routledge confirmed that the family is receiving professional support as they cope with the loss.
“Valentine’s family is being supported by specially trained officers following this incident,” she said.
“This was a tragedy where a young boy 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 family described him as a respectful and well-loved teenager whose absence has left them shattered.
“Long live Valentine, forever 16. He was a former Nottingham College student and was well-liked amongst his friends. Words cannot describe what we are going through right now.“We would kindly request 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.”
However, the police confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious and that a file is being compiled for the Coroner.
Post Views: 103
