The remains of 16-year-old Valentine Ikechukwu, a Nigerian teenager based in the United Kingdom, have been recovered following a tragic drowning incident at Colwick Country Park.
According to Nottinghamshire Police, Valentine was swimming in a lake at the park on April 30 when he ran into difficulty. Emergency services were alerted around 5:20 p.m., prompting a coordinated search operation involving the police’s underwater team and the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.
His body was located just before 8:00 p.m.
“A multi-agency response was activated after reports that a young swimmer had gotten into trouble,” the police said. “Valentine’s body was found after a thorough search.”
Detective Inspector Gail Routledge confirmed that the teenager’s family is receiving support from officers trained to assist in such traumatic situations.
“This is a heartbreaking loss of a young life. Our hearts go out to Valentine’s loved ones during this painful time,” she said.
“While investigations continue into the exact circumstances, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with open water.”
Valentine’s family expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing him as a respectful and well-mannered young man who was once a student at Nottingham College and had many friends.
“Valentine was deeply loved. Losing him has left a hole in our hearts that can never be filled. We ask for privacy as we try to cope with this unimaginable loss,” the family said in a statement. “Forever 16, he will never be forgotten.”
Police confirmed that the case is not being treated as suspicious, and a report is being prepared for the Coroner.
