Tributes to man who 'loved football so much' after River Thames search
Highworth Town FC will be holding a two-minute's silence in a friendly match this evening (15/07)
A man who died after getting into difficulty in the River Thames in Oxfordshire has been described as a "polite and respectful lad who loved football so much".
23-year-old Will Coker from Swindon was reported missing at Buscot Lock near Faringdon over the weekend.
He was a footballer for Highworth Town FC in Wiltshire - with his club holding a two-minute's silence in a friendly match this evening (15/07).
'He won't be forgotten'
The club said: "All at Highworth Town FC are all saddened to learn the sad news regarding Will Coker.
"Manager Paul Braithwaite received a call early yesterday afternoon from one of Wills close friends informing him of the devastating news. Braiths has this to say.
"I’ve known Will now for the past three seasons, he always attended our pre season sessions since I’ve been at the club and pushed himself so hard at every session to try and break into the first team. He played a big part in the reserve team under manager Liam Coombley. And again this season Will was back in with us applying himself in his usual hard working manor with a huge smile on his face. It was only last Saturday he was playing with us all against his ex reserve team mates in the picture above. It’s so sad that only 7 days later we receive this tragic news.
"Will was a quiet but super polite and respectful lad who loved football so much.
"He won’t be forgotten by myself and as a club we will be holding a two minute silence on Tuesday in our home friendly against Devizes Town.
"Myself and all associated with Highworth Town FC would like to send all our love and condolences to Will’s family and friends."
'Taken far too early'
He was also part of the Calne Town reserve team, with the club saying: "We are very sad to announce that Will Coker has passed away over the weekend.
"Will was a part of our Reserve team for the last 5 years.
"Will loved his football, always had a smile on his face, and was liked by everyone
"Our thoughts are with Will's Friends and Family at this sad time.
"Will has been taken far to early."
Officers called to the scene on Saturday night
Specialist teams had been searching for the man who entered water and had got into difficulty in the River Thames at Buscot Lock, near Faringdon on Saturday night (12/07).
Officers were called at just after 9.10pm, with Thames Valley police responding immediately.
Search and rescue teams attended the scene within minutes, including the National Police Air Service, specialist search teams (POLSA), search dogs and Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire, Wiltshire Search & Rescue, Severn Area Rescue Association and Hampshire Search & Rescue Dogs.
Avon & Somerset police dive team also assisted with the search.
The man’s body was found Sunday afternoon (13/7).
Temporary Chief Superintendent Lis Knight said: “Extensive searches were untaken to locate William, and I am saddened to confirm that we have located a young man’s body.
"William’s family have been kept updated throughout the day. An investigation will be conducted on behalf of the Oxfordshire Coroner, but we do not believe the death to be suspicious.
"I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all agencies who have assisted us with our search throughout the day. It is a very tragic outcome, and my thoughts and the thoughts of all of us at Thames Valley Police remain with William’s family at this extremely distressing time.”