A 16-year-old boy whose body was recovered from a river in Dumfries has been remembered by his former school as someone who brought joy to those around him and formed strong friendships. Kenzie Carmichael was discovered in the River Nith near the boathouse on Nith Avenue after collapsing at 19:35 on Wednesday. Emergency responders attended the scene and retrieved him from the water, but he was pronounced dead at the location.
St Joseph's College in Dumfries released a statement highlighting Kenzie's character and academic strengths. The school noted that he had demonstrated particular aptitude in hands-on learning and had recently left to begin a further education course at college.
How did the school remember him?
Headteacher Bernadette Jones described Kenzie as someone whose personality made a lasting impression on his peers.
Kenzie was a very well-liked young man who always made people smile with his great sense of humour. He was particularly enthusiastic about and excelled in practical subjects and had left school to embark on a further education course at college. He was a loyal friend to many and will be much missed by his peer group.
Jones extended condolences to Kenzie's family and the wider school community, pledging that the college would continue supporting students as they processed the loss.
The deepest sympathy of the St Joseph's College community is extended to Kenzie's family and friends at this unthinkably difficult time, and we will continue to provide support to his peers as they come to terms with this tragic loss.
What have police said about the incident?
Authorities have ruled out suspicious circumstances surrounding Kenzie's death. According to a national broadcaster's report, police stated they do not believe foul play was involved and that Kenzie or anyone else present had not been engaging in activities within the river itself.
Detective Inspector Scott Wilson issued an appeal for witnesses who may have been in the vicinity of the boathouse on Wednesday evening.
It's vital we get Kenzie's friends and family answers for how he died. We do not believe the circumstances of this incident are suspicious or that Kenzie, or anyone else present, had been playing within the river. I am appealing to anyone who was in the area of the boathouse on Wednesday evening to contact us, no matter how insignificant you think your information may be, please do pass it on. It could be crucial in helping us establish the full circumstances of Kenzie's death.
According to regional news coverage, the police inquiry specifically targeted individuals who may have been near the boathouse on Nith Avenue at approximately 7:35pm on the evening in question, as officers work to establish the full circumstances of his death.
What happens next?
Police continue to seek information from anyone who was in the area around the boathouse on Wednesday evening. Authorities have indicated the investigation remains ongoing, with officers emphasizing that even seemingly minor details from potential witnesses could prove significant in understanding how Kenzie came to be in the river.
Key Facts
- Kenzie Carmichael, 16, was pulled from the River Nith near the boathouse on Nith Avenue after collapsing at 19:35 on Wednesday
- He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders
- Police do not believe the incident involved suspicious circumstances or that anyone had been playing in the river
- Kenzie had recently left St Joseph's College to pursue a further education course and was noted for his practical skills and sense of humour
- Officers are appealing for witnesses from the boathouse area on Wednesday evening to contact them with any information
