Over £13,000 raised after recovery of teenage boy's body from Leicestershire lake
A teenager was recovered from Meynell Lake in Syston following a search by specialist police dive teams earlier this week
Last updated 27th Jun 2026
More than £13,000 has been raised after a body was found in the search for a missing 13-year-old, named locally as Hayden Jones-Powell, who went missing earlier this week after entering Meynell Lake in Syston.
Police and specialist divers were called on Thursday afternoon after the teenager got into trouble whilst trying to cool off with friends during the recent extreme heatwave.
Read more: Teenage boy recovered from Leicestershire lake after search
In a statement online, Wreake Valley Academy said: "We are devastated by the loss of one of our students and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with their family and friends.
This tragic accident has deeply affected everyone at our school and we are providing support to students, staff, and families who need it. We kindly ask that the privacy of those affected is respected during this extremely difficult time.”
'Hayden was a cheeky, gorgeous, 13 year old boy'
Whilst family member Charlotte Powell, in a fundraiser set up for the 13-year-old, described how they are 'blown away' by the love and compassion that's been shown since they received the news.
Their message on Crowdfunder read: "The aim of this is to raise funds for Hayden's funeral. As a family we would like to be able to give Hayden a beautiful send off.
"Hayden was a cheeky, gorgeous, 13 year old boy. He supported West Brom Albion, loved animals, was a great friend & had everything in life going for him. Without warning he was taken from us on the 25th of June.
"Hayden was like any other teenage boy who just went to the lake to paddle with his friends. He wanted to cool from the heat & enjoy the cool water; getting some respite from the heatwave after school.
"Tragically, Hayden got into trouble and he never made it home to his loving family consisting of a dad, 2 older brothers, an older sister and his mum.
"Hayden was such a beautiful, loving soul & we would like to be able to give him a send off befitting for him. We know nothing will bring Hayden back to us but knowing we have said goodbye in the best way we can will start the difficult process of healing our broken hearts."
The Police statement
Leicestershire Police confirmed yesterday: "Specialist police dive teams searching for a teenage boy following reports he entered a lake in Syston yesterday afternoon (Thursday 25 June) have recovered a person from the water.
"We can confirm it is the teenager known to have entered the lake and his family are being supported specialist officers.
"Police were called just after 1.30pm to Meynell Lake, in Fosse Way.
"Officers attended along with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service.
"Initial searches were carried out and police divers were called in.
"There is no suggestion of any suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner.
"Naming will be a matter for the coroner."