Tributes pour in for tragic teen, 16, who went lacking in reservoir

Tributes have poured in for a teenage boy with a ‘heart full of gold’ who died after he disappeared while swimming in a reservoir.  

Tyrese Johnson, 16, got into difficulties around 6pm on Tuesday at Lodge Farm Reservoir in Netherton, near Dudley, West Midlands.

Paramedics raced to the water but were unable to find the teenager. His body was recovered the next day by police divers, 17 hours after he went missing. 

His heartbroken family said the ‘simply irreplaceable’ teenager, who had just broken up from school for the summer holidays, had ‘a heart full of gold’.

Johnson has been described as having a ‘heart full of gold’ as tributes pour in for the teenager

In a statement, his devastated family said: ‘Tyrese, words can’t describe what you meant to us as a family, your loving devoted mom, your brother, dad, your niece and nephew.

‘You were a kind loving young man with a heart full of gold. Your warm, gentle, kind hearted soul, simply irreplaceable.’

Many have flocked to leave tributes and flowers near the site with one heartbreaking message saying: ‘RIP Tyrese. I’m sorry I couldn’t save you. I tried as hard as I could.’

Another read: ‘Tyrese, so sorry to hear of this tragic accident, may God bless and keep you in his care.’ 

The tragedy unfolded just two days into the school holidays on a sunny day where temperatures hit 24C (75F).

Tyrese went missing after getting into difficulty at Lodge Farm Reservoir (above) on Tuesday 

Police are warning youngsters about the dangers about open water swimming. 

West Midlands Fire Service Manager Marc Hudson added: ‘This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of open water – especially as the summer holidays get underway. 

Dudley Commander, Chief Superintendent Anthony Tagg said: ‘Our deepest sympathies remain with Tyrese’s family and friends.

‘The shock of his death has devastated the whole community and we share that grief.’

The case has now been referred to the coroner.