Teenager Drowns in the Thames
26 May 2012, 10:38 | Updated: 28 May 2012, 06:51
Emergency services were called to reports of a teenager in difficulty in the River Thames on Friday night.
The parents of a 15-year-old boy who drowned after jumping off a bridge into a river have spoken of their loss for a "happy, cheeky and popular'' son.
Emergency services were called at about 8.30pm on Friday after Hussain Mohammed jumped from Donnington Bridge, Weirs Lane, Oxford, into the River Thames, but did not resurface.
An extensive search operation was launched by the fire service and the teenager, from Oxford, was recovered nearly two hours later.
He was rushed by ambulance to the John Radcliffe Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
His family said in a statement released through police:
"Today, always and forever in our hearts.
"May our beloved son and brother rest in peace, Amen! The youngest of the brothers, considered 'the baby' has gone too soon.
"Just because you have gone does not mean you will be forgotten you will always live in our memory so strong.
"You may have left us to start a new life. But your going has taken a little bit of us with you.
"Life will be hard without you but we know one thing for sure, when we remember you it will always bring back the smile to our face.
"Hussain, a happy, cheeky, and very popular boy has been committed to our cherished memories bringing us joy every time we think of him.
"A typical 15-year-old boy, battling with life's ups and downs, had in his last few days showed many positive changes towards a better path.
"Sincere and motivated, involved with family, we all held high hopes for better days ahead with his bright outlook and new approach to his future.
"Today a unique part of our family is missing that can never be replaced.
"We all aim to stay strong in the loss of our youngest son and remain hopeful that the brightness Hussain brought to each and every one of us remains sincere in our hearts forever.
"May Allah (swt) bless him. Inshallah we will see you very soon, keep us in your Dua's our one and only angel Hussain.
"Love and miss you so much xxxxxxx''
Simon Belcher from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue said "in this hot weather it can be very tempting to cool down by taking a swim in the river, the unseen hazards make this very dangerous and we would always recommend a supervised pool with a lifeguard on duty".
Every year around 400 people drown in the UK. For further safety advice please see the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents website or call the free phone community safety helpline on 08000 325 999