Family pay tribute to man who died after entering the River Avon in Tewkesbury

The family of a man who died after entering the River Avon in Tewkesbury last month have described him as "a beautiful soul who touched the lives of so many with his kindness, and will leave an unforgettable imprint on all who knew him".

Luke Haffield, aged 20 and from Malvern, died after entering the water in the Mythe Road area on Friday 19 December.

Searches of the river had taken place with support from partner agencies, and Luke's body was located and recovered on Saturday 27 December.

Luke's family added: "Our family is truly shocked and utterly heartbroken at the loss of our cherished son and devoted brother in such a tragic accident.

"He was a wonderful boy with a kind and considerate soul, and this shocking tragedy will leave a huge hole in the hearts of the hundreds of people who were fortunate enough to have known him.

"We are so proud of the young man he had become. He was two years into his Engineering apprenticeship with Moog and was a keen sportsman having played football, hockey and cricket when he was younger and more recently golf, darts and padel.

"He will always be our "Lukey". Rest in peace, our beautiful boy. You will never ever be forgotten."

Luke's family would like to thank all of the emergency services that were involved including Gloucestershire Police, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, the National Police Air Service, Severn Area Rescue Association, and dog handlers from West Mercia Police.

A photograph of Luke which has been released by his family