A family in England is mourning the loss of their 14-year-old son, who died last week while playing in a river with his twin brother and friends.
On Wednesday, July 2, Suffolk Constabulary confirmed that the body of a teenager was discovered in the River Waveney in the town of Beccles, shortly after the boy “entered the river with friends but had not resurfaced” earlier in the night.
Police were called to Beccles Quay, off Fen Lane, before 7:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday, ahead of a multi-agency operation that included Suffolk Fire & Rescue, East of England Ambulance Service, air ambulance crew, HM Coastguard, and the police force itself.
According to the Suffolk Constabulary, searchers later found and recovered the boy’s body from the water.
The boy has since been identified as 14-year-old Nischay Patel, according to a family statement released by a town official. Police said his death was not suspicious.
Ketan and Praptiben Patel, the parents, thanked officials for their “swift and compassionate response” as well as the “kindness, love, and support” they received.
“The outpouring of sympathy — from kind words and beautiful flowers to thoughtful gestures — has brought immense comfort to our family,” the victim’s family said.
“This loss is unimaginable, and while we mourn, we remember the love of our friends, family, and customers.
“Your compassion has moved us more deeply than words can express,” they added. “Thank you to everyone who has helped our family, especially the emergency services and those who went above and beyond. As we process this tragedy, we respectfully request privacy and space, knowing that your continued support surrounds us.”
Nischay attended Sir John Leman High School in Beccles, which has since provided counseling support to the school community. According to ITV News, The Sun, and the Mirror, he was playing with his twin, Niyam, on that day.
“It makes your heart drop – you immediately think of the parents and really feel for them, especially if you are a parent yourself and it is your local community,” family friend Layla Eales, who has since launched a fundraiser alongside Terri Bird, told the BBC. “I saw the kids sitting there, heartbroken, and you feel helpless.”
“We knew that it would be someone we knew, it is a small town, everybody knows everybody,” Bird went on. “Your thoughts go directly to the family. “To think you let your child out to play and they never come home, it is devastating.”
The Broads Authority also confirmed the teenager’s death, expressing “heartfelt condolences” to loved ones and those who responded to the scene in a Facebook post.
“Although the full circumstances are not yet clear, this incident is another devastating reminder of the dangers posed by our waterways,” a spokesperson for the agency said. “We urge people, whether young or old, to always stop and assess the risks posed by intentionally entering the water.”
“This includes being aware of the serious consequences of jumping into the water from bridges, boats, or other structures. In the interest of safety, we recommend that people only enter the water as part of a [organized] event.”
According to Suffolk News, four people died after entering local waterways in 2024, with another 13 “near-misses” caused by people falling off boats. The Broads Authority reminds residents to “look out for one another and keep each other safe.”
On Sunday, July 6, a memorial gathering was held for Nischay, with the family announcing details about a funeral service in the coming days.
