Tributes to teen boy, 15, who died after being pulled from river when he got into trouble while swimming with pals
TRIBUTES are pouring in for teenager who died after getting into trouble while swimming with pals.
Lewis Michael Kirkpatrick, 15, was tragically pulled from Cumbria‘s River Eden at around 1.30pm on Saturday.
He and three other teens had got into trouble while swimming the night before.
One of the boys, 14, was airlifted to hospital that evening as he was fighting for his life.
He remains in a critical, but stable condition, police said.
Lewis’ parents Nichola and Paul have described their boy as always having a “cheeky and infectious smile”.
The heartbroken family 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 added: “We don’t want any other families to suffer the same, awful loss.”
Carlisle’s MP John Stevenson also paid tribute on social media following the tragedy.
He wrote: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of Lewis Michael Kirkpatrick, and the other young people involved in this tragic incident.”
Cops raced to the river after getting frantic calls about four boys struggling in the water in the city’s Rosehill area at 6.41pm on Friday.
Two teens managed to escape the water while emergency services launched a massive multi-agency search in an attempt to save the others.
Meanwhile, spectators at Wembley Stadium paid their respects in the 15th minute of the Sky Bet League Two play-off final between Carlisle United and Stockport County.
Carlisle United Football Club tweeted: “The crowd pay their respects on 15 minutes to Lewis Michael Kirkpatrick – thoughts with his family, loved ones and friends – tragic news.”