THE family of a boy who died after getting into difficulty while swimming in a river have paid tribute to their “beautiful soul” son.
Jacob Rutkowski, 20, from Darlington, County Durham, is understood to have began to struggle after entering the River Tees in Gainford on Friday afternoon.
Despite a huge emergency response to try to rescue the young man – including the deployment of an air ambulance, mountain rescue crews, police helicopter, paramedics and fire crews – he tragically died.
Now, Jacob’s family has released a touching tribute as part of a fundraiser to help support the family.
The GoFundMe page reads: “As many of you have already heard, our family experienced the unimaginable.
“This devastating loss has left our entire family heartbroken beyond words.
“He was a son, a brother, a loving boyfriend — and above all, a beautiful soul taken far too soon.”
The family explained they were raising funds to help with funeral and memorial costs, as well as to support the family “during this painful time”.
They added: “Anything you can give will help ease the burden and allow us to focus on grieving and honouring his memory.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
At time of writing, Jacob’s GoFundMe has already raised more than £1,650, helping it towards its goal of £4,500.
At around 2.30pm on Friday, emergency crews had rushed to the small rural village of Gainford at around to try to save Jacob.
Police cordoned off an area where ambulance incident response teams and the fire service water unit parked up – both blocking access to the river banks.
Drones were also seen flying above the river while dogs patrolled the ground to help rescue Jacob.
Tragically, however, Durham Police eventually confirmed it had found a body in the river.
In a statement on Friday, cops said: “We’re sorry to report that a body has been found in the river at Gainford this evening.
“It is believed a 20-year-old man had entered the water this afternoon and got into difficulty.
“Formal identification has yet to take place but the man’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
“We would like to thank all our emergency services partners for their assistance.”
‘I JUST CAN’T GET OVER IT’
Other tributes to Jacob have also poured in, describing the 20-year-old as having a “heart of gold”.
One friend wrote: “Such a caring young lad honestly, sending my love and thoughts to the family.
“I just can’t get over it, he was so lovely. Breaks my heart, forever 20.”
Another said: “Absolutely heartbroken for my friend and her family. Life is just so precious.”
A third wrote: “What a lad. He was taken way to soon.”
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