Teenager found dead in river was 'full of light'

Family A boy with brown hair and wearing a black Nike t-shirt.Family
Jonty Evans was found dead in the River Weaver in Nantwich

The family of a boy who was found dead in a river have described him as a “compassionate” teenager who was “full of light”.

Jonty Evans, 16, was reported missing on 31 August before his body was found in the River Weaver in Nantwich, Cheshire, a day later.

Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding his death were ongoing, Cheshire Police said.

Paying tribute to Jonty, his family said no words would ever describe the impact of his loss.

"Jonty was compassionate, sensitive, brave and full of light. When he smiled, it was as mountains smile to see the spring,” they said.

'Within our hearts'

They said he was “ripped away” from having a “full and rich life”, adding that they were “stolen the chance” of seeing him grow old.

“This pain in our chests will never leave us and will forever be within our hearts because we love Jonty and that's something no-one can take away from us,” they said.

"Tonight and tomorrow and for the rest of our lives, we will look for you in the stars and through sunsets and remember who you were, until we meet again."

Two 16-year-old boys who had been arrested were later “eliminated” from the investigation and would not face further action, police confirmed.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Related internet links