Family pay tribute to 'our little professor' who died in River Taff in Cardiff

Video report by ITV Wales Correspondent Richard Morgan

The teenage boy who died following an incident in the River Taff on Tuesday has been named as 13-year-old Aryan Ghoniya.

Aryan’s family released a photograph and a statement on Wednesday afternoon.

It read: "The family is devastated by the tragic loss of Aryan but we are touched by the way the community, including the Police and Emergency services have been trying to support us. 

"Our thanks also to the A&E staff at the Heath hospital.

"Aryan was our 'Little Professor', brilliant at Maths, an all-rounder academically.  He was a very loving with warm personality and loved by all who knew him.

"There will never be a day when we will not miss him, and he will remain in our hearts forever."

Police received reports of children in the River Taff near Forest Farm Road, Whitchurch, at 4.45pm on Tuesday (June 21), when one boy was reported missing.

An extensive search was carried out by police, fire, ambulance, coastguard and the police helicopter.

Aryan was located in the river at around 5.45pm and, despite the efforts of the emergency services, he was unable to be resuscitated.

Headteacher of Radyr Comprehensive School, Aryan's school, Mr Andrew Williams, said: “Aryan will be remembered as an outstanding, hardworking, and conscientious student with a real warmth of personality. 

"He was a credit to his family and the school community and an absolute pleasure to be around. 

"Our heartfelt sympathy is with Aryan's family."

HM Coroner has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.