Tributes to Teenager Who Died During Duke of Edinburgh Expedition
Umar Dumbuya's family says he will be remembered for "his kindness, warmth and sense of humour".
Tributes have been paid to an 18-year-old who died after encountering difficulties in the River Wye while participating in a Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) expedition.
Umar Dumbuya, from London, was hiking near Glasbury in Powys on 30 June.
His family expressed their sorrow, stating they were "heartbroken by the loss of our son, brother, and grandson," and added they would remember his "kindness, warmth and sense of humour."
Leyton Sixth Form College, where Umar was a student, said its community was "deeply saddened" by his death.
Emergency services were called to a popular bathing spot in Glasbury on the River Wye on Tuesday evening, following reports that a "male had entered the water and could not be located."
Dyfed-Powys Police reported that mountain rescue volunteers, firefighters, and the National Police Air Service were involved in the search.
Umar's body was later recovered, and police officers provided support to the teenager's friends at a nearby scout hut.
Following the incident, a spokeswoman for DofE stated the organisation was "liaising closely with the young person's college and relevant authorities to understand how this tragic incident happened."
A floral tribute was seen on the banks of the River Wye in Glasbury last week following the death of the 18-year-old.
Family Tribute
On Tuesday, Dumbuya's family paid tribute to him, saying:
"We are heartbroken by the loss of our son, brother, and grandson. There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family. Umar was a loving boy and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. Umar loved spending time playing basketball, attending the gym and time with friends and family. We will always remember Umar for his kindness, warmth and sense of humour. His death has left a devastating hole in our family, and we now ask for privacy as we take time to grieve."
College Statement
Leyton Sixth Form College described Umar's death as a "tragic accident," adding he was a "valued member of our college."
"The college is co-operating with the appropriate authorities as they carry out their inquiries into the circumstances of the accident, and we are supporting staff and students who were present when it occurred," the statement said.
An online fundraising page has been established to assist Umar's family with funeral costs.
In a tribute to a "much-loved student," the college said:
"Umar will be remembered for his kindness, warmth, and the positive impact he had on his family, friends, classmates, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing them. Umar's loss has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who loved them."
