Tributes paid to 'future world champ' boxer, who died while swimming in a Cheshire river
Frank Varey was 16 years old and reportedly originally from Blackpool.
Last updated 23rd Jul 2021
Tributes have been pouring in for 16-year-old Frank Varey, who had been swimming in the River Dee yesterday afternoon (Thursday 22nd July).
He was reported missing at about 2.30pm and, after extensive searches, a body was found shortly before 8pm the same day.
England Boxing Chief Executive Officer, Gethin Jenkins, said: “England Boxing has been devastated to hear the news of Frank’s death, with our coaches, in particular, having got to know him very well during his boxing development.
“He was a very talented boxer, multiple National Champion and a member of our England set-up and Talent Pathway, proudly representing his country in the 2019 Euros. Although young, he had clearly demonstrated much promise.
“He was also a very popular character with his fellow boxers and those who coached him, bringing a sense of fun to everything he did. He will leave a huge gap in people’s lives.”
England Talent coach John Stubbs said: “Frank was a larger than life character. I’ve never met anyone that could lose a hotel key 27 times in the first two days of the trip, or anyone with the pre-bout ritual he had.
“No boy should lose their life at 16. This is a sad day for the boxing community and my thoughts are with big Frank and the family.”
Fellow England Talent coach Shiney Singh added: “Absolutely heartbroken even writing this. The absolute bundle of life Frank Varey taken from us.
“Only yesterday he was in the gym looking a million dollars and there was no doubt in my mind that he was going to smash the Euro selections. He was the life of the gym and lit up the room.
“There was no doubt in my mind he was going to do great things and in such a small amount of time he made made such a big impact and will be greatly missed.”
Professional world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury said: “RIP Frank. Was a future world champ.”
Wearmouth Boxing Club said: “We are sending our sincerest condolences to the Varey family, friends and all at Sharpstyle for their loss of a fine young man and a very talented boxer.”
Superintendent Myra Ball said: Sadly, this is the second river death that we have seen this week in the county.
This appears to be another tragic accident and our thoughts are with the boy's family at this very difficult time.''
On Thursday, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) said it was aware of 17 incidents of accidental loss of life in the water between July 17 and July 20, and urged swimmers to take care.
All of the incidents had occurred in England, apart from one in Northern Ireland.
RLSS UK charity director Lee Heard said: Whilst we recognise how tempting it is to cool off in the UK's beautiful waterways, they hide hazards that tragically take lives each year and we urge the public to use caution when entering the water, getting acclimatised to the water temperature before jumping in.
The difference between the air temperature and water temperature can literally take your breath away; this is called cold water shock. It is silent, invisible and deadly.''