TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular teenage boy who tragically drowned in the River Wear on Sunday.

COMMENT: So sad, but accidents happen

Cameron Gosling, of Crook, was socialising with friends on the river bank at Witton Park, near Bishop Auckland, before he got into difficulty in the water.

Police said the 14-year-old surfaced briefly before disappearing, sparking a major search and rescue operation.

Several of his friends also tried to rescue him before themselves getting into difficulty and holding onto overhanging branches for safety.

Chief Inspector Sue Robinson said calls were made to the police just after 4.30pm stating that a number of young people were in difficulty in the river.

“We understand that as Cameron got into difficulty some of his friends got into the water to try and help him,” she said.

“Officers immediately attended and there were a number of young people in the river, holding on to overhanging branches.

“They were safely pulled to the river bank, however Cameron remained missing.”

As well as police, ambulance and fire crews also took part in the search, along with The Great North Air Ambulance, Swaledale Mountain Rescue and Teesdale and Weardale Mountain Rescue.

The Northumbria Police Dive Team also joined in the rescue operation which ended around 10.30pm when Cameron’s body was found near to where he was last seen.

Yesterday heartbroken family members and friends visited the scene to lay floral tributes.

Cameron, who lived in Crook and attended Parkside Academy in Willington, was described as a lively character by one of his teachers.

Paul Davies, head of year eight at Parkside, said: “Everybody at the school is absolutely devastated that we have lost such a fantastic young man. I heard about it this morning (Monday) but didn’t think it could have been one of our students.

“I taught Cameron for Business Studies and he was a lively character who was always willing to get involved. He was very popular and had a big group of friends and I’m sure he will be missed by us all.”

Ann Wise, deputy head at Parkside added: “The whole school community is devastated at the tragic loss of Cameron.

“He was a popular boy, full of high spirits and fun, and well-liked by both pupils and staff and it is an absolute tragedy to lose such a lovely boy on the very cusp of adulthood.

“Our thoughts today are very much with Cameron’s parents, brothers and wider family.”

Tributes have also poured in on the internet with dozens of well-wishers sending their condolences to Cameron’s family and friends.

Madge Huntingdon said: “Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. RIP young man, gone too soon.”

Kim Hutchinson said: “So sad, rivers claim the lives of too many young people. Thoughts go out to all of his family and friends.”

Laura Lambert added: “Such a young age and so tragic. RIP Cameron. Thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. God bless.”

A warning has been issued by Chief Inspector Robinson advising people of all ages to be extra careful around open water.

She said: “On a hot sunny day open water holds a certain appeal but what looks safe on the surface can be very dangerous underneath.

“I would advise anybody of any age to please keep safe this summer and not to enter open water.”

  • Leave your tributes to Cameron below.