Family pay tribute to 19-year-old believed to have died at sea near Boulmer
Michael Henry's family express gratitude for support and describe plans for his future
A teenager, identified as 19-year-old Michael Henry from Rothbury, is believed to have tragically died at sea near Boulmer, Northumberland, after a kayaking incident.
Last Tuesday, on 7th July, police received a report through HM Coastguard at 9.15pm about a man in the water after a kayak carrying two people capsized.
While one man managed to swim to safety and was rescued by the Coastguard, extensive searches were conducted to locate Michael. Despite these efforts, Michael is now presumed to have died at sea.
His family have paid tribute, expressing gratitude for the love and support Michael received throughout his life.
In a statement, they said: “We would like to thank everyone for all their love, kindness and support now and throughout Michael’s life; it was that love and kindness that made him the marvellous person he was."
Michael was described as a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, team-mate, and friend, and as a keen sportsman with a love for the outdoors.
The family shared that Michael was preparing to travel this summer and had plans to start university next academic year, adding, “Michael will be forever in our thoughts, and we will miss him.”
Emergency services and search teams have been thanked by the family for their efforts.
Chief Inspector Jon Caisley of Northumbria Police expressed condolences and acknowledged the impact of the loss on Michael's loved ones and the community.
He said, “Despite extensive searches at sea and on the coast, we have been unable to find Michael and he is sadly believed to have died at sea.”
The chief inspector also thanked officers and partners for their assistance in the search efforts and reiterated the family's request for privacy at this time.