Tributes to maths whizz, 13, who drowned cooling off in river, as family release photo of their ‘little professor’
THE "devastated" family of a 13-year-old boy who drowned cooling off in a river in Wales have paid tribute to their "little professor".
Maths whizz Aryan Ghoniya was tragically found dead in the River Taff in Whitchurch, Cardiff, shortly before 5pm on Tuesday.
He had fatefully taken a dip in the river with pals as temperatures in Wales rocketed to highs of 22C.
Emergency services were called to the beauty spot at around 4.45pm, before pulling Aryan from the water an hour later.
The intelligent teen was rushed to hospital but despite the valiant efforts of medics, he could not be saved.
Aryan's heartbroken family said the 13-year-old "will remain in our hearts forever" after telling of their anguish.
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They said in a statement: "Aryan was our 'Little Professor', brilliant at Maths, an all-rounder academically.
"He was very loving with a warm personality and loved by all who knew him. There will never be a day when we will not miss him, and he will remain in our hearts forever.
"The family is devastated by the tragic loss of Aryan but we are touched by the way the community, including the police and emergency services have been trying to support us."
Flowers, balloons and cards have been left on the riverbank by the teenager's grief-stricken pals.
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One tribute at the scene read: "You never know the last time you'll see a place or a person. You'll always have a place in our hearts."
Another said: "You will be missed so much by everyone, you never failed to put a smile on our face and you will be in our hearts forever."
Police and Coastguards were called to a report of children playing in the River Taff and that one boy had gone missing.
An extensive search was carried out at the popular beauty spot by police and firefighters, who were also assisted by divers.
Samantha Camilleri, who lives close to the scene of the tragedy, said: “There were sirens going off constantly and I’d realised immediately that they were looking for someone.
"The helicopter came down very close.
TRAGIC TEEN
“Everyone knows one other here and it will come as a huge shock to the community. Those poor parents too - absolutely heart-breaking.”
The coroner has also been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of his death is ongoing.
Detective Inspector Abi Biddle said: “At 4.45pm on Tuesday, June 21, a report was received of children in the River Taff near Forest Farm Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff and one boy was missing.
“An extensive search was carried out by police, fire, ambulance, coastguard and the police helicopter.
";The missing 13-year-old boy was located in the river at around 5.45pm.
"Despite the efforts of the emergency services, he was unable to be resuscitated."
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The tragedy happened in a stretch of the river popular with wild swimmers who enjoy the Taff for its calm and shallow waters.
During warm weather, dozens of teenagers and young adults gather on the banks of the river and meet up to cool off.