Boy who died in reservoir had just finished school, says family in heartbreaking tribute to ‘simply irreplaceable’ teen
Dozens of tributes and flowers have been left near the site
A grieving family has paid tribute to their “simply irreplaceable” teenager with “a heart full of gold” who died in a reservoir this week.
Tyrese Johnson, 16, had finished school for the summer when the tragedy happened.
The teenager got into difficulties at Lodge Farm Reservoir in Netherton, Dudley, on Tuesday evening
His body was recovered from the water the next day by police divers.
Emergency teams raced to the reservoir in the West Midlands, but were unable to find the youngster.
A major search was launched involving police divers and a helicopter and his body was recovered the next day by an underwater team.
In a statement, his devastated family said: “Tyrese, words can’t describe what you meant to us as a family, your loving devoted mom, your brother, dad, your niece and nephew.
“You were a kind loving young man with a heart full of gold. Your warm, gentle, kind hearted soul, simply irreplaceable.”
Dozens of tributes and flowers were left near the site including one heartbreaking message saying: “RIP Tyrese. I’m sorry I couldn’t save you. I tried as hard as I could.”
Another read: “Tyrese, so sorry to hear of this tragic accident, may God bless and keep you in his care.”
The tragedy unfolded just two days into the school holidays on a sunny day where temperatures hit 24C (75F).
Police are warning youngsters about the dangers about open water swimming.
Chief Superintendent Anthony Tagg said: “Our deepest sympathies remain with Tyrese’s family and friends.
“The shock of his death has devastated the whole community and we share that grief.”
The case has now been referred to the coroner.
