First picture of much-loved boy who died in the river near Fernhill

This is the first picture of a teenager who was found dead following a search of a river near Mountain Ash.

Christopher Kapessa, 13, a year 8 pupil at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School had got difficulty in the river near Fernhill between Mountain Ash and Cwmbach at around 5.40pm on Monday.

A search of the river involving police, firefighters, paramedics and an emergency services helicopter was undertaken but despite the best efforts of emergency services, Christopher was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after being found.

Tributes left near the river at Fernhill, Mountain Ash (Richard Williams/WalesOnline)

South Wales Police said an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is now underway.

Tributes have been paid by Christopher's friends who left flowers and messages at the scene.

One friend wrote: “You meant the world to me, your laugh changed everybody’s mood, you was the funniest boy in the world.”

Another wrote: "To the funniest and bestest of friends, I hope u rock hard up there and be as happy as u was down here, if I could change the world to even have just one game of football with you then I would. The best always gets taken too soon."

Tributes left near the river near Fernhill, Mountain Ash, where it's understood a boy drowned (Richard Williams/WalesOnline)

Mountain Ash councillor Pauline Jarman, a chair of governors at the boy's school, said everyone was "absolutely devastated".

She added: "A child has lost his life in the shadow of the school.

"The emergency services tried as hard as they could to recover him as early as possible and worked endlessly to revive him but today the school is in mourning.

"We have arranged to get support services into the school for the children and staff who may need some emotional support. We're in absolute shock and it's a sad day.

"He was such a nice little lad who had quite a few friends who must be absolutely torn and his family must be devastated. We send our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family at this sad time."

Tributes at the scene in Fernhill

Ray Thomas of Fernhill and Glenboi Community Centre said: "As a community we are devastated by the tragic events that unfolded last night. We cannot begin to comprehend what Chris’s family and friends are going through at this horrendous time.

"Chris may not have lived in our community long but once you live in this fantastic community you become one of our own."