Family warn of river dangers after 'caring' son's death leaves 'gaping hole'
The parents of a teenage boy whose body was recovered from a river over the weekend have paid tribute to their "kind, caring and funny son".
Lewis Michael Kirkpatrick died in the River Eden in Carlisle, Cumbria, and mum and dad Nichola and Paul have warned others about the dangers of open water.
The 15-year-old's remains were found by police shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday.
He got into difficulty with three other boys on Friday evening.
Another 14-year-old, who was airlifted to hospital, remains in a critical condition.
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A Cumbria Police statement said one of the group had managed to swim to safety while another was rescued by a member of the public.
Lewis' body was pulled from the River Eden in Carlisle (Getty Images) Nichola and Paul went on to describe Lewis as always having a "cheeky and infectious smile”.
They said: "Lewis was the baby of the family and his death has left a gaping hole that can never be filled.
“Lewis was a loving son, brother of Kyle and Nathan, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, friend, and boyfriend of Kiara.”
The family have expressed their gratitude to the emergency services and agencies that helped in the search for Lewis and, in particular, the member of the public who risked his own life to try to help the boys.
Lewis' family have warned others about the dangers of open water (Maureen McLean/REX/Shutterstock)The family said that they are overwhelmed by all of the messages of support that they have received.
They would like to say a huge thank you to all of the Carlisle United and Stockport County fans for their moving tribute to Lewis at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
Nichola and Paul would also like to draw attention to the danger of rivers and how in the warm weather, the water may look inviting but can be deadly. They said: "We don't want any other families to suffer the same, awful loss."
A force statement on Sunday said: "Police can confirm that a body located in the River Eden has been formally identified as Lewis Michael Kirkpatrick, aged 15, from Carlisle.
"Lewis’ body was found shortly after 1:30pm yesterday (27 May) following an extensive multi-agency search operation.
"The search operation commenced after it was reported that he and three other teenage boys had got into difficulty in the River Eden near Rosehill, Carlisle, on Friday evening.
"A 14-year-old boy, who was airlifted to hospital on Friday evening, remains in a critical condition.
"One of the group managed to swim to safety, while another was rescued safely by a member of the public. Both were checked over by medical professionals."
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