Last updated at 13:26, Tuesday, 22 June 2010

TRIBUTES have been paid to a “wonderfully happy” teenager who died in a swimming accident while on holiday.

Andy Chapman, 19, died after he got into difficulty while swimming in Coniston Water last Wednesday.

He had been camping with friends.

According to eyewitnesses he had been swimming but then disappeared under the surface. He never resurfaced.

The alarm was raised at about 6.40pm by a female friend who was in the water with him.

Members of the public rushed to his aid, diving in to help, but were unable to save him.

Emergency services cordoned off the lake while police diving teams searched the lake bed.

They pulled his body from the water at about 11pm that night.

Yesterday, Mr Chapman’s family issued a brief statement through Cumbria police.

A family spokesperson said: “We have suffered a sudden and tragic loss of a dearly-loved son, brother and grandson.

“We ask that people respect our privacy so that we can come to terms with our grief.”

Mr Chapman, from Wymondham, Melton, studied photography, fine art and graphic design at King Edward VII, in Melton.

He was born in Dublin and moved to Leicestershire about 15 years ago, and had hoped to join the Royal Air Force after finishing his studies.

Friends and staff at King Edward VII have told of their shock at the tragedy.

Andy Smith, head of art at the college, said: “Andy was a wonderfully happy student who had a smile for everyone, even under the pressure of exams.

“He was always enthusiastic about his work and took advice on board eagerly and his teachers knew he would produce the results with care and on time.

“He was caring of his friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew him, students and teachers.”

Andrew worked in the kitchen at the Black Bull Inn, in Market Overton, for about two years. The pub’s owner, Kristy Housley, said: “He was genuinely one of the nicest lads I’ve ever met.

“It’s a tragic accident and such a waste – Andy made life a little easier for us all and made the days go a little quicker.

“He was a fun-loving guy, who never complained, even when he was stuck in the kitchen peeling spuds for hours.

“It was a pleasure to have known him. To say he will be missed is an understatement.”

Messages of condolence have been appearing on a Facebook page set up in memory of Mr Chapman.

His former teacher, Lisa Smith, wrote: “You truly were the nicest lad I have ever had the pleasure to teach. I’m devastated you are gone. Will always think of you. This isn’t fair at all xxx”

Susie Robson said: “Rest in peace hun my sympathy goes out to all your family and friends at this sad time.

“I remember the day I saw you at Sandy Lane church with your mum after you gave blood and you had to sit on the bed for a few more mins.

“You looked like you saw a ghost but I could tell your mum was pleased you gave blood. I will remember that forever. God bless and sleep tight till we all meet again.”

First published at 13:03, Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk