The grieving parents of a 14-year-old schoolboy who died whilst swimming in a Suffolk river have paid tribute to him as they described their ‘unimaginable loss’.
Nishcay Patel was swimming in Beccles Quay near Fen Lane with friends and his teenage brother when the incident occurred at around 7.30pm on Wednesday.
He entered the River Waveney while playing with his twin brother Niyam, but failed to resurface.
Police and emergency services rushed to the scene as onlookers desperately tried to help the group of youngsters.
But despite their best efforts, Nishcay, named locally, tragically died at the scene.
His parents Ketan and Prabtiben Patel, who own a newsagents in Beccles, shared a heartbreaking statement in which they described the loss of their son as ‘unimaginable’.
They said: ‘We are deeply grateful to the Police, Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service, East of England Ambulance Service, and HM Coastguard for their swift and compassionate response during this incredibly painful time.
‘Our heartfelt thanks also go out to the wonderful people of Beccles and those from across the country who have shown us so much kindness, love, and support.
‘The outpouring of sympathy—from kind words and beautiful flowers to thoughtful gestures—has brought immense comfort to our family.
‘We would especially like to thank Sir John Leman High School, Thirst Youth Hub, the Beccles Community UK Facebook page, and the local newspapers for their continued support and compassion.
‘This loss is unimaginable, and as we grieve, we hold close the love of our friends, family, and customers.
‘Your compassion has touched our hearts more deeply than words can express.
‘To everyone who has supported our family—particularly the emergency services and those who went above and beyond—please accept our sincerest gratitude.
‘As we take time to process this tragedy, we kindly ask for privacy and space, knowing your continued support surrounds us.’
Richard Crozier, 80 , a friend of the family told the Sun it was a ‘terrible tragedy’, adding: ‘Nischay was a special person. He had a capacity for friendship across generations.
‘He wasn’t a boy of great numbers of words but he was a very tender-hearted lad.’
This is a breaking news story and is being updated.
