Fundraiser launched for boy who drowned in river

Ronalds Abele, 17, died after he was airlifted to Northampton General Hospital

Friends of a 17-year-old boy who drowned after getting into difficulty while swimming in open water have started a fundraiser.

Ronalds Abele died after he was pulled from the Embankment, next to the River Nene, in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, on 10 May.

So far, the campaign has raised more than £3,600 towards the cost of his funeral, a memorial service and stationing ring buoys at the river.

An online fundraising page said Ronalds "brought joy, laughter, and warmth to all who knew him".

Floral tributes have been left at the site

Emergency services were called just after 13:45 BST, on 10 May, to reports a teenager had got into difficulty while swimming in open water at the Embankment.

Part of the area was sealed off, nearby roads were closed and boaters were prevented from entering the area.

He was airlifted to Northampton General Hospital but pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

The incident happened as temperatures in Northamptonshire rose to 22C (72F).

'Honour his memory'

Organisers of the fundraising page said Ronalds "touched so many hearts with his kindness, compassion, and unwavering love".

"It is in this spirit of remembrance and celebration that we come together to honour his memory," they said.

They said the fundraising would "alleviate the financial burden on the family".

The Embankment is a popular riverside walking and picnic area and several bunches of flowers have been left in tribute.