The family of Iretomiwa Abiodun Micheal, the 16-year-old known as Tomiwa who died after being pulled from Swanholme Lakes in Lincoln, have described him as a "vibrant, energetic, and unforgettable young man". His body was recovered from the water on July 9 and he was pronounced dead at 8:50pm that evening.
In a tribute issued through Lincolnshire Police, his family said: "Tomiwa was a vibrant, energetic, and unforgettable young man whose presence illuminated every space he entered. His laughter, warmth, and joyful spirit touched countless lives." The eldest of four brothers, Tomiwa played for Greenbank FC and Lincoln City FC, and was a committed student and active member of his church youth ministry, having joined the school youth choir at 16.
“Two families pay heartfelt tributes: a 16-year-old drowned in Lincoln lake, and a 6-year-old died after van collision in Newry.”
In a separate tragedy, the family of six-year-old Kourtney McCormick have expressed profound gratitude to a woman who assisted them in getting her to hospital after she was struck by a van in the Springfarm Heights area of Newry on June 21. Kourtney died from her injuries despite being taken urgently to Daisy Hill A&E and then transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Through Paul McEvoy Funeral Directors, her family said: "We would like to thank the lady who arrived at the scene and helped us take our little girl straight to Daisy Hill A&E Department. You are our special angel; we are internally grateful to you." They also thanked the doctors and medical staff at both hospitals, the PSNI officers, and the priest who supported them. A 40-year-old woman arrested in connection with the incident has been released on bail pending further police enquiries.
Tomiwa's family remembered his love for God, his discipline, punctuality, and pride in his appearance, noting he was "exceptionally neat". They said: "He was our firstborn, our pride, and he honoured his parents by following instructions respectfully and living with discipline, purpose and integrity." Kourtney's family thanked St. Patrick's the Meadow primary school, their community, and all local businesses who supplied food at her wake, adding: "Words cannot adequately express our heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming support our family has received."
