Family pay tribute to teenager found dead in Nottinghamshire lake
16-year-old Valentine Ikechukwu died after getting into difficulty swimming in a lake
The family of 16-year-old Valentine Ikechukwu have paid tribute to him, after he was found dead in a lake at Colwick Country Park.
The teenager died after getting into difficulty whilst swimming on Wednesday at 5.20pm.
A police underwater search team discovered his body shortly before 8pm.
Valentine Ikechukwu was a student at Nottingham College student who has been described as a “well loved” son and brother to his three sisters and baby brother.
His death is not being treated as suspicious.
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.”