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
By Titilope Adako
The body of 16-year-old Nigerian teenager, Valentine Ikechukwu, who drowned while swimming at Colwick Country Park in the United Kingdom on April 30, has been recovered by the Metropolitan Police.
A statement shared by Nottinghamshire Police on Facebook revealed that emergency services were called to the scene around 5:20pm after Valentine got into difficulty in the water.
“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.”
A thorough search operation followed, leading to the recovery of Valentine’s body around 8pm.
Police Detective Inspector Gail Routledge confirmed that Valentine’s family is being supported by specially trained officers.
“Valentine’s family is being supported by specially trained officers following this incident.”
“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.
“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, in a statement, expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
“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.”
Police have confirmed that Valentine’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the Coroner.
Join us on our Whatssap Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE
KoikiMedia Bringing the World 🌍 Closer to Your Doorstep