UK police recover body of Nigerian-British boy who encountered difficult in lake and died
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
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“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” – UK police officer
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Nigerian-British Valentine Ikechukwu’s body has been recovered by United Kingdom police from a Colwick Country Park lake in Nottingham where the 16-year-old died while swimming on April 30.
Police issued a statement which said the teenager encountered difficulty while swimming, prompting a multi-agency emergency response.
“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,” police recounted in the statement.
“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.”
Police Detective Inspector Gail Routledge disclosed that Valentine’s family is being supported by specially trained officers in the wake of the tragedy.
“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,” Police Detective Inspector Gail Routledge said.
“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 well-behaved young man whose loss has left them devastated.
“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,” the family said in a statement issued through the police.
Authorities confirmed that Valentine’s death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file is being prepared for the Coroner.
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