The family of a teenager who drowned while swimming in a lake during the recent heatwave has paid a heartfelt tribute to him. David Tita Jr, 17, died after getting into difficulty in Pickmere Lake, Cheshire, on Friday.
Family's tribute
In a statement released through Cheshire Police, his family described David as a compassionate, brave, and sensitive young man who was a supportive figure to his family and the wider Crewe community. They said: 'David was full of light and had a heart of gold. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.'
Rising toll
David's death is one of at least 12 fatalities in open water across the UK during the record-breaking heatwave. Other victims include Declan Sawyer, 15, who died in Lincoln, Reco Puttock, 13, in West Yorkshire, and Junior Slater, 12, in Lancashire. The RNLI and other charities have issued urgent warnings about the dangers of swimming in open water, emphasizing the risk of cold water shock due to low water temperatures despite high air temperatures.
Local authorities have urged people to stay safe near water and to avoid swimming in unsupervised areas. The community has rallied around the families affected, with tributes pouring in for the young lives lost.
