Family of lake tragedy victim says he 'lit up the lives' of everyone who knew him

The family of Jay Moffett, the 13-year-old boy who died after entering water in the Canal Court area of Scarva on Monday, says he "lit up the lives of everyone who knew him".

The teenager died in an incident at around 15:30 on Monday afternoon at the County Down village's lake.

In a statement released by the PSNI on behalf of the family, relatives said they were 'heartbroken'.

It read: We are heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful Jay. He was a much loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin who lit up the lives of everyone who knew him in his 13 years.

"We are grateful for the support we have received at this terrible time and would ask that we now be given the space to grieve in private."Emergency Services and police attended the scene of the incident before the boy was taken to hospital where he died.

Police say they are not treating the death as suspicious.

A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said: "The NIAS received a 999 call at 15:27 on Monday 19 July following reports of an incident at Scarva lake.

"NIAS despatched an emergency crew and ambulance officer to the scene. The charity air ambulance with helicopter emergency medical service crew on board was also tasked to the incident."

A young boxer, his club paid tribute to him in a social media post.

Tullylish ABC said they are "deeply saddened following the tragic and untimely passing of our much loved club member Jay Moffett. All of us at the club pass on our sincerest condolences to Wayne, Caroline, Ollie and Daisy. Rest easy Jay, we will all miss that big smile.

The DUP's MP for Upper Bann, Carla Lockhart said, “Devastating news to hear of another family plunged into sorrow after the death of a young teenage boy at the Canal Court area of Scarva village.

"Please remember the family in your prayers as they come to terms with this harrowing tragedy. To the emergency services and anyone else who assisted, thank you.”