Tributes have been pouring in after a schoolboy tragically drowned in a river.
Christopher Kapessa was found after an extensive search of the River Cynon between Mountain Ash and Cwmbach in south Wales on Monday evening.
The 13-year-old, who was a Year 8 pupil at Mountain Ash Comprehensive, was pulled from the river following the rescue efforts of police, firefighters, paramedics and an emergency services helicopter.
On Tuesday morning tributes were stuck to railings near the river by members of the stunned Mountain Ash community.
One friend wrote: “You meant the world to me, your laugh changed everybody’s mood, you was the funniest boy in the world.”
Another tribute said: “Fly high Chris. You were the most funniest person I have ever met.”
A Gofundme page set up to help the family through the tragedy has raised more than £3,000 in less than a day.
Many people took to the page to express their sorrow at Chris' death.
"Love you Chris sad to see you go your in a better place now," one person wrote.
A woman called Julie wrote an open letter to his family.
"Dear Chris and family," she wrote.
"We all miss you loads. You were taken away too soon; you were always there when we needed you.
"You were the most funniest person ever, party hard up there.
"See you soon butty. Until we meet again."
Councillor Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf council, also reached out to the family.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of a young individual from Fernhill in Mountain Ash on Monday," he wrote.
“This is devastating news, but I know that the local community will rally around and offer its full support to the family and his friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“The incident will have no doubt had an impact upon pupils at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School, and the Council has arranged for pastoral support to be made available. Glenboi School, of which I am the chair of governors, has also cancelled its sports day today as a mark of respect.
“My thoughts are with the family and all of those affected at this extremely sad time.”
Chris' school also sent its wishes following his death.
Mountain Ash councillor Pauline Jarman, a chair of governors at the school, said: "“A child has lost his life in the shadow of the school and we are absolutely devastated.
“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."
