A HEARTBROKEN family have paid tribute to a ‘lovely and kind’ boy, 17, who tragically died in a Staffordshire lake.
Sonny Leese Clark, from Leek, sadly lost his life while out with two pals after reportedly falling into Rudyard Lake on Friday night.
The teen’s body was found at around 5pm yesterday after police were called to the scene when three young men were spotted in the water.
Two managed to get out and were assessed by paramedics from the West Midlands Ambulance Service before being taken to hospital and have since been discharged.
In a heart-wrenching tribute, Sonny’s family said: “Sonny – our lovely, kind, good-natured boy. You had grown into a fantastic young man. Always helpful, adventurous, fearless and quick to smile.
“You were a very special and wonderful brother to your siblings, and our lives are diminished for your loss.
“We love you and always will. 17 and his life was just beginning the next chapter, his book was too short.”
The death isn’t being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner, Staffordshire Police said.
A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police confirmed: “Sadly, at about 5pm yesterday (February 25), we recovered Sonny from the water.
“We have been offering our support to his family as much as we possibly can after the tragic news yesterday.
“The search efforts involved an array of emergency services, as well as volunteers who gave countless hours of their time to try and find him from the Cheshire and Staffordshire Search and Rescue charities.”
Chief Inspector Mark Barlow, from the Moorlands local policing team, added: “Our thoughts and condolences are very much with the boy’s family at this distressing time.
“A large number of officers and emergency service personnel have been working around the clock and through the night since this was first reported to us.
“I’d like to thank the members of the public who respected the cordon and avoided the area whilst we worked at the scene.
“This is a tragic case and one which I know will cause a great deal of sorrow in the local community.
“Our priority now is about making sure we can do everything possible to support the boy’s family.”
