Tributes have poured in for a teenage boy with a ‘heart full of gold’ after it was confirmed he died in a reservoir this week.
Tyrese Johnson, 16, got into difficulties around 6pm on Tuesday at Lodge Farm Reservoir in Netherton, near Dudley.
Emergency teams raced to the reservoir at the time but were unable to find the teenager.
Members of the community also came out to help the search including the Dudley Sub Aqua Club and paddle boarders from the Water Sports club.
After a major search involving police divers, a specialist submersible drone team and a helicopter, his body was recovered the next day at 11:30am by an underwater team, 17 hours after Johnson went missing.
Johnson has been described as having a ‘heart full of gold’ as tributes pour in for the teenager
In a statement, his devastated family said: ‘Tyrese, words can’t describe what you meant to us as a family, your loving devoted mom, your brother, dad, your niece and nephew.
‘You were a kind loving young man with a heart full of gold. Your warm, gentle, kind hearted soul, simply irreplaceable.’
Many have flocked to leave tributes and flowers near the site with one heartbreaking message saying: ‘RIP Tyrese. I’m sorry I couldn’t save you. I tried as hard as I could.’
Another read: ‘Tyrese, so sorry to hear of this tragic accident, may God bless and keep you in his care.’
The tragedy unfolded just two days into the school holidays on a sunny day where temperatures hit 24C (75F).
Tyrese went missing after getting into difficulty at Lodge Farm Reservoir (above) on Tuesday
Police are warning youngsters about the dangers about open water swimming.
West Midlands Fire Service Manager Marc Hudson added: ‘This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of open water – especially as the summer holidays get underway.
Dudley Commander, Chief Superintendent Anthony Tagg said: ‘Our deepest sympathies remain with Tyrese’s family and friends.
‘The shock of his death has devastated the whole community and we share that grief.’
The case has now been referred to the coroner.
