Emergency services have sadly recovered the body of a teenage boy from the lake, despite the best efforts of rescue teams.
The body of Valentine Ikechukwu, a 16-year-old Nigerian teenager based in the UK, has been recovered from a lake at Colwick Country Park.
According to Nottinghamshire Police, Ikechukwu got into difficulty while swimming in the lake on April 30, resulting in his drowning.
Nottinghamshire Police shared a statement on Facebook confirming the recovery of Ikechukwu’s body.
It reads, “A body has been found during the search for a 16-year-old boy who went missing after entering a lake.
“Emergency services were called to Colwick Country Park at 5.20pm on Wednesday (30 April) after the boy got into difficulty whilst swimming in the water.
“A multi-agency rescue operation involving a police underwater search team, assisted by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, led to the discovery of his body shortly before 8pm.
The boy’s family have been informed of the development and are now being supported by specially-trained officers following the incident.
Chief Inspector David Mather said: “Emergency services have sadly recovered the body of a teenage boy from the lake, despite the best efforts of rescue teams.
“This is a tragic discovery and our thoughts are with this boy’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“While work is now underway to understand how the boy came into difficulty, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water – regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently.
“As in this tragic case, open water can have hidden dangers that can prove fatal and I would urge anyone who spends any time on or near open water to use this case as a devastating reminder of that – particularly during the recent warm weather we have been experiencing.”
The boy’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the Coroner.
Group Manager Tom Staples, of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Despite the tireless efforts of all the emergency services involved, we are deeply saddened to confirm that the body of a 16-year-old boy has been recovered at Colwick Country Park.
“On behalf of the Service, and personally, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the boy’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
Former Nottingham College student, Valentine Ikechukwu, has been described as a “well loved” son and brother to his three sisters and baby brother.
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 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 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.”