Tributes have been paid to a London teenager who died after entering the River Wye in Wales while on a Duke of Edinburgh’s award expedition.
Umar Dumbuya, 18, had been hiking with friends near Glasbury in Powys on June 30 when he got into difficulty.
Emergency services were called following reports that a "male had entered the water and could not be located", with mountain rescue volunteers, firefighters and the National Police Air Service involved in the search.
Dyfed-Powys Police said that his body was later recovered while his friends were supported by police officers at a nearby scout hut.
In a statement issued through the Police, Mr Dumbuya’s family said that they were heartbroken by the loss of a son, brother, and grandson, adding that his death has left a "devastating hole" in their lives.
The statement read: "There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family.
"Umar was a loving boy and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. Umar loved spending time playing basketball, attending the gym and time with friends and family.
"We will always remember Umar for his kindness, warmth and sense of humour. His death has left a devastating hole in our family, and we now ask for privacy as we take time to grieve."
Leyton Sixth Form College, where Umar was a student, said its community were "deeply saddened" by his death.
The college added that they are co-operating with the authorities as they carry out their inquiries, and are supporting staff and students who were present when the incident occurred.
The college has also launched an online fundraising page for Mr Dumbuya’s family to help to cover funeral expenses.
A statement on the page reads: “It is with profound sadness that we share the heart-breaking loss of a much-loved student who tragically passed away in a sudden accident.
“Umar will be remembered for his kindness, warmth, and the positive impact he had on his family, friends, classmates, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing them.
“Umar’s loss has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who loved them.”
A spokeswoman for DofE said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a young person has drowned while on a DofE expedition in Powys, Wales.
“Our thoughts are with the young person’s family, together with all those who were taking part.
“We will do everything we can to support them at this difficult time.
“DofE is liaising closely with the young person’s college and relevant authorities to understand how this tragic incident happened. We are offering our full support.”
