Family pay tribute to teenager who died in river

9 hours ago

Zoe Applegate

BBC News, Suffolk

Nischay Patel's family have thanked the people of Beccles for the support they have shown

Facebook tribute Nischay Patel had short, wavy black hair and wore a red hooded top, while standing in front of the sea. — Nischay Patel's family have thanked the people of Beccles for the support they have shown

The family of a teenage boy who died in a river have described their loss as "unimaginable" in a tribute posted on their behalf by a community leader.

The tribute to Nischay Patel, released by Beccles town councillor Tarek Lahin, said the boy's parents were "deeply grateful" to the emergency services and thanked them for their "swift and compassionate response during this incredibly painful time".

Crews were called to Beccles Quay in Suffolk when Nischay failed to resurface after entering the River Waveney on Wednesday evening.

The body of the year nine Sir John Leman High School pupil was later found by search teams.

The incident happened near the A146 bridge over the River Waveney

Shaun Whitmore/BBC Drone image of the A146 bridge over the River Waveney in Beccles, showing cars on bridge, moored boats on river and surrounding green space and housing — The incident happened near the A146 bridge over the River Waveney

Ketan and Praptiben Patel, who own a newsagents in Beccles, said in the Facebook tribute: "This loss is unimaginable, and as we grieve, we hold close the love of our friends, family, and customers.

"Your compassion has touched our hearts more deeply than words can express.

"Our heartfelt thanks also go out to the wonderful people of Beccles and those from across the country who have shown us so much kindness, love, and support."

Flowers and tributes have been left at Beccles Quay and outside the family's shop.

They described how those "thoughtful gestures" had brought "immense comfort".

People often swim in the River Waveney during hot weather

Luke Deal/BBC A blue canal boat with a white roof moored in the water is in the foreground. A line of other white and blue boats are in the background. A grey bridge runs over the water, which is lined by a grass verge. — People often swim in the River Waveney during hot weather

The family's statement continued: "To everyone who has supported our family -particularly the emergency services and those who went above and beyond - please accept our sincerest gratitude.

"As we take time to process this tragedy, we kindly ask for privacy and space, knowing your continued support surrounds us."

They added their son's funeral details would be shared with the local community. They invited people to join them in honouring his life.

Dozens of bouquets have been left beside the river in Beccles

Shaun Whitmore/BBC Bouquets of flowers in cellophane on riverbank — Dozens of bouquets have been left beside the river in Beccles

An online fund set up by two women who knew Nischay and his family raised £8,000 in 24 hours.

Terri Bird and Layla Eales set up the appeal to help his family cover any lost income and funeral costs.

The remainder will be used for a memorial bench and for life-saving equipment at the riverside.

An HM Coastguard sign on the bridge support warns of a risk of death or serious injury

Shaun Whitmore/BBC A sign, roughly A4 sized, which reads Accident Blackspot risk of death or serious injury do not jump in the river, in an emergency at the coast call 999 Coastguard — An HM Coastguard sign on the bridge support warns of a risk of death or serious injury

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