Family heartbreak as missing boy with 'beautiful spirit' found dead in lake

The family of a 16-year-old boy who died in a lake have paid an emotional tribute to a "handsome, funny and talented boy". Daniel Drewitt, went missing in Powell's pool in Sutton Park, in Sutton Coldfield, just after 6pm on Thursday July 10.

Daniel, who attended Colmers School & Sixth Form College and was a part of the local football community, had been swimming in Powell's Pool. Last night, his family released a touching tribute to the teenager who had a "beautiful spirit". Touchingly his family said he "had his whole life ahead of him". They described him as a big Birmingham City fan who loved going to the games with his grandad and friends and would "miss his cheeky smile".

The family statement read: "Daniel was a handsome, funny and talented boy who really cared about his friends and family.

"Everyone wanted to be his friend and he was popular because of the beautiful spirit he had.

"Daniel was a big Birmingham City Football Club fan and would love going to the games with his grandad and friends.

"He had so many dreams and aspirations, and he had his whole life ahead of him. He has been taken from us way too soon and we still can't process what is happening right now."

Heartbreakingly Daniel's family he will "be the brightest star in the sky".

The emotional tribute continued: "His family and friends are all devastated from this awful tragedy, and this will forever leave an everlasting pain in all of our hearts. We cannot put into words how much we will miss him and his cheeky smile.

"We want to thank the community for all of the kind messages, love and support. It has given us all comfort knowing just how loved he was by so many people and shows they all saw what we saw in him.

"Sweet dreams our beautiful boy. We know we will still see you every night. You will be the brightest star in the sky."

Daniel's football club Northfield Town FC are just one of the countless tributes that have paid to the talented teenager.

Posting a photo of the Year 11 pupil on Facebook, they wrote: "One of our talented former junior players, Daniel Drewitt, passed away yesterday evening following a tragic accident at Sutton Park.

"Daniel was a fantastic young man who always wore a smile on his face whether on or off the pitch and was loved by so many.

"Everyone at Northfield Town FC send their thoughts and heart felt condolences to the family, friends and former teammates."

On Thursday evening the whole of Powell's Pool was cordoned off with police tape to conduct the huge search and rescue operation. After extensive searches by emergency services and specialist teams, the boy's body was recovered from the water just after 10pm.

West Midlands Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious and the force was liaising with the coroner.