Friends and family of a talented teenage boxer who died in the River Dee have released balloons in memory.
Frank Varey, 16, tragically died while swimming in the river in Handbridge, just south of Chester, yesterday.
Emergency services mounted a huge seven-hour search operation to find the teenager, who was visiting Chester from his home in Lancashire, but a body was found at around 11pm last night.
Frank's family, friends and members of the public gathered at the River Dee to release balloons in his memory today (Friday, July 23).
Mourners brought flowers and balloons to pay tribute to the 'talented and popular' teen, Cheshire Live reports.
Music was played at the memorial, with many in attendance holding back tears as they remembered Frank.
Following his death, Frank's parents, brothers and sister paid tribute, describing him as a 'legend in the boxing world and in life'.
A statement from the family read: "We are devastated beyond words, Frank was a legend in the boxing world and in life. May our Young King live on forever."
Heartfelt tributes from figures in the boxing world have poured in.
Frank had won several National Championship titles and also represented England at the European Junior Championships in 2019.
England Boxing Chief Executive Officer, Gethin Jenkins, said: "England Boxing has been devastated to hear the news of Frank’s death, with our coaches, in particular, having got to know him very well during his boxing development.
"He was a very talented boxer, multiple National Champion and a member of our England set-up and Talent Pathway, proudly representing his country in the 2019 Euros. Although young, he had clearly demonstrated much promise.
"He was also a very popular character with his fellow boxers and those who coached him, bringing a sense of fun to everything he did. He will leave a huge gap in people’s lives."
Meanwhile, professional world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury paid tribute to Frank. Fury said: "RIP Frank. Was a future world champ."
