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Devastated friends pay tribute to boy, 14, who drowned trying to save pal

20 May 2024 , 17:49
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A group of friends were believed to have been playing on a rope swing before tragedy struck
A group of friends were believed to have been playing on a rope swing before tragedy struck

A TEENAGER who died saving his friend after he fell in a river has been described as "one in a million" in tributes from heartbroken friends.

David Radut, 14, died after jumping into the River Tyne at Ovingham, Northumberland, on Saturday afternoon.

David Radut died after jumping into the River Tyne after his pal got into trouble on Saturday afternoon qhiddkiqzdidzprw
David Radut died after jumping into the River Tyne after his pal got into trouble on Saturday afternoon
Pals said David was 'one in a million' following his tragic death on Saturday
Pals said David was 'one in a million' following his tragic death on SaturdayCredit: Facebook
A group of friends were believed to be playing on a rope swing over the river when both teenagers went missing in the water
A group of friends were believed to be playing on a rope swing over the river when both teenagers went missing in the waterCredit: NCJMedia
The tree which the rope swing was attached to has since been cut down, Northumberland County Council said they were not responsible for this
The tree which the rope swing was attached to has since been cut down, Northumberland County Council said they were not responsible for thisCredit: PA

A group of friends were believed to be playing on a rope swing over the river when both teenagers went missing in the water.

The incident sparked a huge emergency response before the 13-year-old was rescued from the water.

He was rushed to hospital where he remains in a critical condition before David's body was recovered by emergency services.

Many of David's pals have written emotional tributes following his death, with friends remembering him as "one of the nicest boys I know".

One wrote on Facebook: "Rest easy David Radut until we meet again and when we do don't take my shoes off me and call me little legs, haha forever a big miss."

Another said: "Rest in peace David Radut you never failed to make me laugh one of the nicest boys I know I’ll miss you ringing at stupid o’clock in the morning asking me to come live on Insta with you and winding me up 24/7.

"Hope heaven treats u well rest easy our boy."

A third said: "Rest in peace ma cuzzin since day 1 been there for me gonna miss u."

While a fourth added: "Awh honestly i miss him sm he always had a smile on his face always rang me make sure i was okay FOREVER14."

Pictures show flowers left at the scene of the horror.

The tragedy prompted someone to chop down the tree that the rope swing was attached to.

Northumberland County Council have confirmed it was not responsible for the move.

Flowers were left at the scene following Saturday's horror
Flowers were left at the scene following Saturday's horrorCredit: PA
Police swarmed to Ovingham following Saturday afternoon's horror
Police swarmed to Ovingham following Saturday afternoon's horrorCredit: NNP
A group of friends were believed to be messing about on a rope swing over the river when both teenagers went missing in the water
A group of friends were believed to be messing about on a rope swing over the river when both teenagers went missing in the waterCredit: NNP
A huge emergency response was launched after both the boys went missing at Ovingham on Saturday afternoon
A huge emergency response was launched after both the boys went missing at Ovingham on Saturday afternoonCredit: NNP
The incident sparked a huge emergency response before the 13-year-old was rescued from the water and rushed to hospital
The incident sparked a huge emergency response before the 13-year-old was rescued from the water and rushed to hospitalCredit: NNP
Emergency services, including a Marine Unit, were pictured at the scene on Saturday
Emergency services, including a Marine Unit, were pictured at the scene on SaturdayCredit: NNP

Tom Hussey

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