A teenage boy has died while swimming in a canal just after finishing his GCSEs.
The 16-year-old died after getting into difficulties while swimming in the Aire and Calder Navigation, West Yorkshire Police said.
The body of Alfie McCraw, from Wakefield, was found following a search of the water after he was reported missing on Monday afternoon.
Emergency service crews rushed to Broad Reach Loch House, of Linton Road, at around 2.11pm on Monday where a body was pulled from the canal.
At least five fire engines, two ambulances and three large police vans arrived at the scene before crews pulled a body out of the water, YorkshireLive reports.
West Yorkshire Police have now named the teen, confirming that he died yesterday.
He had just completed his GCSE exams and was due to go to army college in September.
"He was just 16 years old and had his whole life ahead of him which was cut short due to a tragic accident," said cousin Zoe.
Alfie was a student at Outwood Grange Academy and leaves behind his sister, brother, mum Jo, and dad Paul.
On Monday, a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "Police were called to a report of a concern for safety at 2.11pm today (Monday, July 11) in relation to a person in the Aire and Calder Navigation near the Southern Washlands.
"Emergency services attended and following a search of the water recovered the body of a male.
"Formal identification has yet to be completed, but it is believed to be that of a teenager from the Wakefield area. His family have been informed and are receiving support."
Alfie's cousin Zoe is now fundraising to give him "the best send of" and has set-up a Go Fund Me page which has already raised over £1,500.
Zoe added: "Jo and Paul have enough to worry about without worrying to find funds for the funeral so I’m hoping if anybody can help it would be much appreciated from all of us.
"No parents should be planning to bury their children let’s raise all we can thank you."
Hundreds of tributes have poured in for Alfie.
One individual said: "So sorry for your heart-breaking loss Paul, our love and thoughts are with you and all your family."
Dean Robson said: "Sorry for your sad sad loss, our hearts go out to you and family, from all the Robson family."
Another individual added: "No words can heal your heart but know you and the family are very much in our thoughts and hearts."
Sharon Long added: "I still don’t know what to say that will make you all feel any better at such a horrible time. You are all in our thoughts. Rest in peace Alfie ."
Carl and Elaine Mellor said: "So sorry Paul can’t stop thinking of you Jo and kids so so so sorry mate rip Alfie."
Alfie's tragic death has prompted warnings from West Yorkshire Police about the dangers of swimming in open water as some parts of the country experience temperatures topping 30C, with warmer weather still to come.
Superintendent Nick Smart, of Wakefield District, said: “This was an extremely tragic incident which has resulted in the loss of the life of a boy who had just finished his GCSEs.
"We have specially trained officers who are supporting Alfie’s family at this unimaginably awful time.
“We are working with the Canal & River Trust to deliver some inputs into schools before they break up for the holidays to warn of the dangers of open water swimming, but we need everyone to help us in spreading this message.
"The weather is forecast to get even hotter over the weekend and into next week, but we would urge people to not be tempted to cool off in open water, unless it is a supervised area intended for swimming.
“Even in the summer months, open water can be very cold. Anyone entering cold water suddenly is susceptible to hyperventilation, which can result in the body going into seizure.
"There can also be hidden currents and unseen dangers such as mud banks or items under the water which a swimmer can become caught on.”
Wakefield District Station Commander Jimmy Fitt added: “This is a truly tragic incident and our thoughts go out to all Alfie’s loved ones.
"When the warm weather comes around, we do see a spike in the number of people entering water – and this can unfortunately prove fatal.
“Our advice is to not go into any area of water that isn’t supervised - as the pull of water, cold water shock and hidden dangers can mean even strong swimmers get into difficulty.
"We need people of all ages to be aware of the risks – we know when it’s warm it’s tempting to get into the water, but you must only do it in safe designated areas or the consequences can be fatal.”
To donate to the Go Fund Me for Alfie click here.
