Second teen boy, 13, dies after ‘falling into river while playing on rope swing with stricken pal trying to rescue him’

A SECOND teen boy has died after reportedly falling into a river while playing on a rope swing - with a stricken pal trying to save him.

Tributes poured in for David Radut, 14, who died amid the horror at the River Tyne near Ovingham Bridge in Northumberland on Saturday afternoon.

Police today confirmed his pal, Aras Rudzianskas, 13, from Newcastle - who David was said to have tried to save - died in hospital yesterday.

Emergency services scrambled to the waterway around 3.30pm on Saturday.

Locals claimed David had jumped into the water to rescue his pal who started struggling after playing on a rope swing.

It is believed the boys were part of a bigger group who had travelled from the west end of Newcastle around 12 miles away.

The body of David was found in the river following a frantic search.

He was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Aras was rescued from the water and was taken to hospital where he also sadly died.

Chief Superintendent Sam Rennison, of Northumbria Police, today said: "Our sincerest sympathies go to the loved ones of both boys and we will continue to provide whatever support we can at this devastating time.

"Since Saturday, our thoughts and those of the wider community have been with the families and friends of those affected.
"We would ask that the public continue to respect the privacy of the families both online and in the community."

The parents of both boys continue to be supported by specially-trained officers.

Fire crews removed the swing next to where the two boys entered the water.

The rope had earlier been shortened by police and all that remains now is a section of strapping hanging from a branch of the tree.

Tributes have been pouring in for the boys in the wake of the tragedy.

One pal wrote on Facebook: "Rest easy David Radut until we meet again and when we do don't take my shoes off me and call me little legs, haha forever a big miss."

Another said: "Rest in peace David Radut you never failed to make me laugh - one of the nicest boys I know.

"I’ll miss you ringing at stupid o’clock in the morning asking me to come live on Insta with you and winding me up 24/7.

"Hope heaven treats you well - rest easy our boy."

You still had years and years ahead of you bro. I cant stop breaking down just looking at a picture of you.

A third said: "Rest in peace my cousin since day one been there for me gonna miss you."

A Gofundme page has been launched to raise money for Aras' funeral.

One devastated friend posted: "Aras, Why did you have to leave so soon man? I love you so much I hope you are watching down on us. Forever 13 .

"You still had years and years ahead of you bro. I cant stop breaking down just looking at a picture of you.

"You will forever be loved by us and I hope you know that. I miss you so much and you will always have a big space in my heart. Goodbye bro."

Another penned: "Howay lads get a big send of for my kid need loads bikes loads of the lads fireworks the lot you name it.

"Aras hope we’re doing u proud brother this is your day.";

A woman who drove past the scene yesterday claimed the 14-year-old boy, had been trying to rescue the other lad, 13.

She told The Sun: "I heard the first boy went into the river from the swing - he was in trouble so the second one went in after him.

"There was a group of about eight teenage girls and boys so they must have travelled here together.

"They have come here thinking it is a nice spot to play. It's very common to see kids travelling from the Newcastle area.

"My kids used to play down and there and I would always say please, please be careful.

"I've even been down there and cut the swing down before but the kids put it back up.

"There was a big group of people who had gathered and I think the parents of some of the kids were here.

"The river is very deep and the kids don't realise how deep and dangerous it is.

"My head is spinning thinking about how sad it is."