Heartbreak as boy, 14, dies swimming in river after going to play with his twin

Heartbroken parents of a 14-year-old schoolboy who died while swimming in a river have paid tribute to him as they told of their 'unimaginable loss'.

Nishcay Patel was at Beccles Quay near Fen Lane, in Suffolk, with friends and his twin brother when the incident occurred at around 7.30pm on Wednesday. He entered the River Waveney with his twin Niyam, but failed to resurface. Emergency services rushed to the scene and a massive multi-agency search was launched to try and locate the youngster, with Suffolk Fire & Rescue, East of England Ambulance Service, air ambulance crew and HM Coastguard as well as police working together.

Tragically Nishcay's body was later found. His parents Ketan and Prabtiben Patel, who own a newsagents in Beccles, said they were grateful for the support they have received which has brought "immense comfort".

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They said: "We are deeply grateful to the Police, Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service, East of England Ambulance Service, and HM Coastguard for their swift and compassionate response during this incredibly painful time.

"Our heartfelt thanks also go out to the wonderful people of Beccles and those from across the country who have shown us so much kindness, love, and support.

"The outpouring of sympathy—from kind words and beautiful flowers to thoughtful gestures—has brought immense comfort to our family. We would especially like to thank Sir John Leman High School, Thirst Youth Hub, the Beccles Community UK Facebook page, and the local newspapers for their continued support and compassion.

"This loss is unimaginable, and as we grieve, we hold close the love of our friends, family, and customers. Your compassion has touched our hearts more deeply than words can express.

"To everyone who has supported our family—particularly the emergency services and those who went above and beyond—please accept our sincerest gratitude. As we take time to process this tragedy, we kindly ask for privacy and space, knowing your continued support surrounds us."

Richard Crozier, 80 , a friend of the family, said it was a 'terrible tragedy'. He told The Sun: "Nischay was a special person. He had a capacity for friendship across generations. He wasn't a boy of great numbers of words but he was a very tender-hearted lad."

A spokesperson for Suffolk police said following the discovery of Nishcay's body: "Police can confirm the body of a teenager has been located in the River Waveney in Beccles. Officers were called to Beccles Quay, off Fen Lane, just before 7:30pm, following concerns for the safety of a teenage boy who had entered the river with friends but had not resurfaced.

"A multi-agency operation was launched, with police, Suffolk Fire & Rescue, East of England Ambulance Service, air ambulance crew and HM Coastguard all in attendance to the incident. Searches were conducted and sadly the body of a teenage boy has now been located and recovered from the water.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file with be prepared for the coroner in due course. The boy’s next of kin have been notified."