Fifteen-year-old Lewis Michael Kirkpatrick was found deceased in the River Eden located in Carlisle, Cumbria. The discovery was made at approximately 1:30 pm on Saturday following reports received by emergency services.
Kirkpatrick and three other teenage boys had encountered difficulties in the river on Friday evening.
Today, Nichola and Paul Kirkpatrick paid tribute to their son, describing him as kind, kind-hearted, and humorous. In a statement, they cautioned about the perils of rivers, emphasizing their desire to spare other families from experiencing a similar tragic loss.
According to a police statement, the couple expressed that their youngest child, Lewis, was an integral part of their family and his passing has created an irreplaceable void. Lewis, a beloved individual, was a son, brother to Kyle and Nathan, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, friend, and boyfriend to Kiara.
The family has conveyed their appreciation to the emergency services and agencies involved in the search for Lewis. They also expressed gratitude towards a member of the public who put his own life at risk to assist the boys.
During the Sky Bet League Two play-off final on Sunday, Carlisle United and Stockport County fans paid their respects in the 15th minute. The individual in question expressed feeling overwhelmed by the messages of support and extended gratitude towards the aforementioned fans.
A large multi-agency search was launched on Friday at 6:41 pm in the Rosehill area of the city after officers from Cumbria Constabulary were notified of four boys struggling in the water.
According to authorities, one member of a group was able to swim to safety, while another was rescued by a bystander. However, a 14-year-old was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition.
Over the bank holiday weekend, emergency services issued safety warnings to the public due to the warm weather drawing people to spend time near the sea and rivers. Two men in their 20s have died after being rescued from the sea off the coast of Oddicombe, Torbay in Devon on Saturday.