PSNI airlifted teenage to hospital but he tragically died

NEW Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has called for an urgent report into the tragic death of a 15-year-old.

The teen boy fell into the River Roe on Thursday.

Emergency crews were called to Roe Valley Park in Limavady, around 4.30 pm on Thursday when the alarm was raised.

It is understood the boy may have gone into the water to retrieve a football but got into trouble.

He was airlifted by police helicopter to Altnagelvin hospital where he later died.

The PSNI said: “The teenager is believed to have drowned after falling into the River Roe.”

Roe Valley Park is managed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

Mr Durkan, who took up his new ministerial post just this week, has expressed his sympathies to the boy’s family following the “terrible tragedy” and has asked for an “urgent” report from officials.

“Given that DOE manages Roe Valley Country Park I have asked my officials for an urgent report on this tragic incident,” the SDLP MLA said.

“This is a terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to the family of the teenager and I offer them and his friends my deepest sympathy.

Environment Minister Mark Durkan sends his sympathies to the family of drowned teen

“I cannot advise people strongly enough of how dangerous rivers, reservoirs and quarries are and my clear message is ‘stay out of the water and stay safe’.

Local DUP councillor Alan Robinson said the borough was shocked by this “desperately sad news”.

He added: “To know that one of our young people lost their life yesterday in this borough places a very heavy heart on us all.

“On behalf of the people of the borough I would convey my sincerest condolences to the family circle because to lose a young one has to be one of the cruellest events on Earth.

“Any young children in and around water should be very careful and look out for the danger.