Family remember 'darling boy' who died in lake

Lincolnshire Police

The family of a 15-year-old boy who died in a lake near Lincoln on Sunday have urged others to be aware of the dangers of water.

Declan Sawyer was found during a search of Swanholme Lakes while the UK was recording extremely high temperatures.

Declan’s father Carl said he was “very much loved by his friends and family, and will be missed dearly by many”.

He added: “Our darling boy Declan was a funny and outgoing young man who loved his fishing and his football. He had a very cheeky smile and the personality to match.”

Jake Zuckerman/BBC

Emergency services were called to reports of a boy getting into difficulty in the water at about 14:30 BST.

“With his tragic and unexpected passing on Sunday at Swanholme Lakes, we would like to raise awareness about children playing near any rivers or lakes in the hot weather,” Carl said.

“Please can all parents, friends and family make their children aware of the dangers surrounding water.”

On Monday, a statement from Declan’s school said he would be “sorely missed”.

The statement from Priory City of Lincoln Academy said: “This loss is devastating and our entire Priory Lincoln learning community is grieving alongside Declan’s family and friends.”

Jessica Lane/BBC

It added: “Declan was a valued member of our academy and a loyal friend to many students.

“His presence and character in our academy will be sorely missed by staff and students alike, and his absence will be felt profoundly in the coming days, weeks and months ahead.”

Body found after boy, 15, goes missing in lake