FacebookA fundraiser has been launched in memory of a teenager who died while paddleboarding at Lochindorb in the Highlands.
Emergency services were called to the body of water near Grantown-on-Spey at around 5pm on Thursday, following reports of a person in difficulty in the water.
Searches continued before the body of a 17-year-old, named locally as Oakley Coveney, was pulled from the water on Friday morning.
The teenager’s mum, Chantelle, has paid tribute to her son, who “disappeared under the water and never returned” while enjoying the sunshine with friends.
Posting on social media, she said: “You were the funniest person I knew. Always making me laugh, even when I was mad at you for something.
“You were so loved by everyone that was close to you. One of a kind.”
A fundraiser has since been launched to cover the costs of the teen’s funeral, and purchase an SOS phone and life buoys to ensure that no other family “go through this heartache”.
The GoFundMe started by Jake Pree read: “Oakley, we will forever share your name, our memories, and stories, as well as always being there for your parents and brothers. Our hearts will always be broken, but we will carry your name on in life forever.”
Police are not treating the death of the Forres Academy student as suspicious.
‘Terrible tragedy’
Kathleen Robertson, Moray Council leader, said the death was a “terrible tragedy” and thanked emergency services following the “harrowing” incident.
Speaking on Friday, she said: “It’s a terrible tragedy, and on behalf of the council and the local community, I want to express my sincerest condolences to his family and friends. I’d also like to express my gratitude to the emergency services who’ve obviously had a very harrowing experience over the last few hours.”
The local authority is offering support to Forres Academy in the wake of the incident.
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