Family pay tribute to 15-year-old boy whose body was pulled from River Trent at Swarkestone

The family of a 15-year-old boy whose body was pulled from the River Trent in Swarkestone in Derbyshire on Wednesday 21 July, have described him as 'charming, compassionate and caring.'

The teenager has been named by family as Thando Ndlovu.

It is believed Thando got into difficulties in the water while playing with friends.

Thando's sister Tania said, "he always lit up everyone in the room."

"Where ever he was, people would laugh, people would smile."

"It's a difficult time for the whole family. My little sister keeps running around asking where Thando is.

"How am I going to explain to her? I can't answer that question."

Police, specialist search teams, and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service all took part in the search operation.

Firefighters were called to the river just off Swarkestone Bridge shortly after 5.30 PM on Tuesday 20 July following reports of a young male getting into difficulty swimming in the river.

Area Manager Clive Stanbrook said: “It is with great sadness that I have to report that earlier this morning the body of a 15 year old boy was recovered from the River Trent near to Swarkestone Bridge."

He added: “Tragically this is the second water related death in Derbyshire in a matter of days. On Monday we confirmed the death of a male who had got into difficulty at a Quarry in the north of the County."

Mr Stanbrook said these incidents underline why they continue to "warn people of the dangers of entering unknown water" adding "cold water shock, hidden debris and strong currents can cause even the strongest swimmer to get into difficultly".

An investigation into what happened was carried out and a file prepared for the coroner.

Officers do not believe there to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

In a police statement released on Friday (23 July), his mum said "we are truly devastated."

His dad, Jambulani said: “Thando was such a promising young man who was very intelligent, and he loved football, especially Chelsea. He was like a leader and would always go further to help others. Thando was exactly the child that you could hope to raise.”

Nombulelo added: “Fly high my angel. Your will family always love you and miss you. Go on and create peace and love as you always did when you were on earth here with us.”