Frank Varey: Tyson Fury pays tribute to 16-year-old boxer who died after swimming in river as police warn of dangers of open water | UK News

Tyson Fury paid tribute to a talented 16-year-old boxer who died after swimming in Cheshire.

Frank Varey was reported missing around 2:30 p.m. Thursday in the River Dee in Chester.

Extensive searches of the river took place throughout the afternoon and evening, with her body found shortly before 8 p.m.

On Fury’s Instagram stories, the heavyweight champion wrote, “RIP Frank. He was a future world champion. God be with your family.”

Frank’s family released a statement, in which they also paid tribute to the teenager.

His parents, brothers and sister said: “We are devastated beyond words, Frank was a legend in boxing and in life. May our young king live forever.”

Warnings about the dangers of open water were issued by charities and police this week as temperatures soared in the UK.

England Boxing also paid tribute to Frank.

“England Boxing was saddened to learn of the death of the talented and popular England Talent Pathway boxer Frank Varey at the age of 16,” the association said.

“He was due to attend the 2021 European Youth Championships selection camp in August and was a semi-finalist at the 2020 England Junior National Boxing Championships before he was cut short due to the onset of the pandemic. coronavirus

“England Boxing offers its sincere condolences to all of Frank’s family and friends at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”

The Rhoose Boxing Club paid tribute in a Facebook post, stating: “It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to one of our English boxers, Frank Varey, who sadly passed away this afternoon after s ‘being drowned in a Cheshire river.

“Frank used to come to the gym with his dad every summer to train with the boys and gain experience. He was a very promising young boxer as he was number one in England, as well as number one. British and European. Frank will be on our minds a lot, along with his family and friends. RIP Frank. We miss you. “

And England Boxing CEO Gethin Jenkins said: “England Boxing was devastated to hear the news of Frank’s death, our coaches in particular having known him very well during his development in boxing. .

“He was a very talented boxer, multiple national champion and member of our English organization and Talent Pathway, proudly representing his country at Euros 2019. Although young, he had clearly shown a lot of promise.

“He was also a very popular character with his fellow boxers and those who trained him, bringing a sense of pleasure to everything he did. He will leave a huge void in people’s lives.”

Cheshire Police said the family were supported by specially trained officers.

Superintendent Myra Ball said: “Sadly this is the second river death that we have seen this week in the county. It seems like another tragic accident and our hearts go out to the boy’s family at this very difficult time. “

Tuesday, Another teenager, 15, was pronounced dead after being removed from a canal in West Yorkshire.

Local police are investigating the incident, with Chief Detective Inspector Tony Nicholson warning: “Even on days as hot as we’ve had recently, the canals can still be very cold and the water cold. can cause cramps even in the strongest swimmers.

“Currents created by boats and the movement of water around locks and weirs can also be dangerous. There can also be objects hidden below the surface that could cause injury.”

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) said it was aware of 17 incidents of accidental loss of life in the water between July 17 and 20, and urged swimmers to be careful.

All of the incidents occurred in England except one in Northern Ireland.

RLSS UK Charity Director Lee Heard said: “While we recognize how tempting it is to cool off in the UK’s beautiful waterways, they hide dangers that tragically lead to death every day. year and urge the public to exercise caution when entering the water, acclimating to the water temperature before jumping in.

“The difference between air temperature and water temperature can literally take your breath away, it’s called cold water shock. It’s silent, invisible and deadly.”

Despite rising temperatures this week, the weekend is shaping up to be cooler with a yellow warning for rain in place for parts of England.