The father of 15-year-old Declan Sawyer released a heartfelt statement following the tragic passing of his son at Swanholme Lakes. Declan was discovered during a search of the area in Lincoln after authorities were alerted on Sunday afternoon about a young boy in distress in the lake. With the assistance of an underwater search team and specialized divers, the police were able to recover Declan’s body, confirming the sad news later that evening.
In his statement, Declan’s father, Carl, described his son as a jovial and sociable individual who had a passion for fishing and football. He emphasized Declan’s cheeky smile and lovable personality that endeared him to both friends and family, who will deeply miss him.
Expressing the family’s need for privacy during this difficult period, Carl also urged parents, friends, and relatives to educate children about the dangers associated with playing near bodies of water during warm weather conditions.
Prior to Carl’s statement, loved ones of Declan took to social media to pay tribute to him, expressing profound sadness and sharing memories of his humor and impact on their lives. The police, while offering condolences to Declan’s family, emphasized the importance of seeking mental health support and refraining from spreading unverified information in the wake of the tragedy.
As the community grapples with the loss, authorities urged support for those affected and emphasized the significance of seeking assistance and care during this distressing time, particularly as the school holiday period commences.