Ashington man's death leaves friends aching

Posted by The Journal on Aug 3, 09 09:56 AM in News

A man who died despite the desperate attempts of friends to rescue him when he got into difficulties in a North East river, has been named.

Ross Brian, 20, from Ashington, was swimming with friends in the River Coquet, at Guyzance, Northumberland, on Friday, when he was pulled underwater near a weir.

His companions tried to save him, but could not prevent strong currents pulling him away. A rescue operation was launched involving an RAF helicopter from Boulmer, police divers and firefighters.

Ross' body was eventually found at 6.30pm, following a three-hour search.

His devastated friends have been leaving emotional tributes to him on a special page set-up in his memory on the social networking site, Facebook. And pals that were with him at the time have written heart-wrenching apologies expressing their regret that they were unable to save him.

Nicola Turnbull, wrote: "It's a shame how a bit of harmless fun turned into something so tragic. We all tried our best, but it was just to late. We hoped and prayed standing there waiting and hoping you were at the side, but it was just too deep.

"We can't believe you are gone and can't believe we never got to say goodbye."

Amber Nelson wrote: "Ross, you were one of a kind and there is no one who could ever replace how good you were to me. I feel like a part of me has gone. Missing you so much."

And Amanda Jayne Smailes said: "RIP sweetie, you really were an angel. Always there when I needed you. So much for our massive party house.

"For some reason, bad things happen to good people. You'll never be replaced or forgotten. We miss you so much already."

Now people have been urged people to take care when swimming in the river, which is a popular spot for tomb-stoners.

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service group manager Lee Buckingham said: "Apparently it was quite a sunny day and they had travelled to the area. They were swimming two or three metres away from the weir. People should not swim in close proximity to a weir.''

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