A 16-year-old Nigerian teenager, Valentine Ikechukwu, has died after drowning in a lake at Colwick Country Park in Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom.
Emergency services were called around 5:20 p.m. on April 30, after reports that a teenager had gone missing while swimming with friends. A coordinated search involving police divers and fire service crews was launched. His body was recovered just before 8:00 p.m.
Police confirmed that Valentine’s family is being supported by trained officers. Investigators say the death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file has been prepared for the coroner’s office.
Valentine, described as a kind, respectful, and well-loved student, had previously attended Nottingham College. His family released an emotional statement saying:
“Long live Valentine, forever 16. Words cannot explain our pain. He will be forever missed.”
A police spokesperson warned the public about the dangers of swimming in open water, especially during warmer months when more young people gather near lakes and rivers.
This tragic incident has drawn sympathy from members of the Nigerian and local UK community, many of whom have shared tributes online using the phrase: #Forever16.
Authorities are urging parents and teens to avoid unsupervised swimming in natural water bodies and instead use designated, monitored areas.
