The body of Valentine Ikechukwu, a 16-year-old Nigerian teenager living in the UK, was found after he tragically drowned while swimming in a lake at Colwick Country Park on April 30. The incident triggered an urgent and coordinated emergency response following reports that the teenager had encountered difficulty in the water. Nottinghamshire Police confirmed that emergency services were alerted at approximately 5:20 pm, initiating a large-scale search operation that included the police underwater search team and the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. After several hours of searching, Valentine’s body was recovered shortly before 8:00 pm the same evening.

In an official statement, Detective Inspector Gail Routledge of the Nottinghamshire Police expressed deep condolences to the grieving family. She emphasized that specially trained officers have been assigned to support the family during this painful time. Routledge called the incident a tragic loss and urged the public to be mindful of the serious risks associated with swimming in open water, regardless of a person’s swimming ability or the circumstances under which they enter.

Valentine’s family described him as a respectful and kind-hearted young man. A former student at Nottingham College, he was well-regarded by his peers and left a lasting impression on those who knew him. The family issued a heartfelt message expressing their profound grief, saying words could not capture the pain they are experiencing. They requested privacy as they mourn their beloved son, affirming that Valentine will forever be remembered and missed.

Authorities have stated that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Valentine’s death. An official report is currently being compiled for the Coroner to provide further clarity on the incident. The tragedy has once again underscored the importance of water safety and the unpredictable dangers of swimming in natural bodies of water.