Vigil held for teens who died in River Tyne tragedy in Ovingham

13-year-old, Aras Rudzianskas and David Radut, 14, passed away on Saturday (18 May)

Author: May NormanPublished 24th May 2024

A Newcastle community's gathered to pay tribute to the teenage boys - who passed away after getting into difficulty in the River Tyne last weekend.

14 year old David Radut and Aras Rudzianskas, who was 13, both died after the incident near Ovingham on Saturday (18 May).

Family, friends and members of the community held a vigil in Newcastle to remember the teenagers.

Scores of people attended the vigil in Newcastle, all to pay tribute to the teenagers.

Nicu Ion, a community leader in Newcastle, helped organised the vigil:

"The death of the teenagers was a shock to all of us. I knew David as a little boy, when he and his family moved here to Newcastle - he was friends with my nephew. I know the family really well.

"When I heard the news, it was heart-breaking.

"We wanted to have a special moment with a vigil, designed specially for young people. We didn't want have something overwhelmingly emotional, but of course it is emotional, we can't avoid that but we wanted to celebrate the life of David and his friend.

"David was a good friend - a popular boy - full of life - and funny teenager. He was the life and soul of a party.

"We just wanted to give an opportunity to his friends to take the time to offer them the space to say goodbye in a proper way."

14 year old David Radut and Aras Rudzianskas, who was 13, were spotted in the river, close to Ovingham Bridge, at about 3.30pm on Saturday (18 May).

Emergency services were called after reports the two friends had got into difficulty in the water.

Crews rescued Aras but David was found in the water and pronounced dead at the scene.

13-year-old Aras was taken to hospital - but despite the efforts of medical staff, he tragically passed away on Tuesday.

The parents of both boys continue to be supported by specially-trained officers.

Meanwhile, Ch Supt Sam Rennison said: "Our sincerest sympathies go to the loved ones of both boys and we will continue to provide whatever support we can at this devastating time.

"Since Saturday, our thoughts and those of the wider community have been with the families and friends of those affected."

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