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‘He will remain in our hearts forever’: Family pay tribute to boy, 16, who died at Colwick Country Park

Family have paid tribute to a 16-year-old boy who died after getting into difficulty whilst swimming at Colwick Country Park.

Valentine Ikechukwu has been described as a “well loved” son and brother to his three sisters and baby brother. He was also a Nottingham College student.

Emergency services were called to Colwick Country Park at 5.20pm on Wednesday (April 30) after Valentine got into difficulty while swimming in the lake.

A rescue operation was launched involving a Notts Police underwater search team, assisted by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

His body was discovered shortly before 8pm.

In a statement, his family said: “Valentine will remain in our hearts forever. He was a well-loved son and brother, and we are absolutely devastated as a family.

“Long live Valentine, forever 16.

“He was a Nottingham College student and was well-liked amongst his friends. Words cannot describe what we are going through right now.

“We would kindly request for 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.”

Detective Inspector Gail Routledge said: “Valentine’s family are being supported by specially trained officers following this incident.

“This was a tragedy where a young boy has 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 death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the Coroner.