Tributes paid to promising boxer, 16, who died in River Dee, Chester

Frank Varey was named as the teenager who sadly lost his life after going missing while swimming in the river at 2.30pm on Thursday, July 22.

His body was later found just before 8pm, following an extensive search by police, fire and ambulance teams.

Police at the cordon, blocking off the Queen's Park suspension bridge.

The boxing world has been left devastated by his death, with Tyson Fury describing him as "a future world champ".

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.”

England Talent coach John Stubbs said: “Frank was a larger than life character. I’ve never met anyone that could lose a hotel key 27 times in the first two days of the trip, or anyone with the pre-bout ritual he had.

“No boy should lose their life at 16. This is a sad day for the boxing community and my thoughts are with big Frank and the family.”

Fellow England Talent coach Shiney Singh added: “Absolutely heartbroken even writing this. The absolute bundle of life Frank Varey taken from us.

“Only yesterday he was in the gym looking a million dollars and there was no doubt in my mind that he was going to smash the Euro selections. He was the life of the gym and lit up the room.

“There was no doubt in my mind he was going to do great things and in such a small amount of time he made made such a big impact and will be greatly missed.”

Professional world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury said: “RIP Frank. Was a future world champ.”

The Sharpstyle boxer, who represented England at the European Junior Championships 2019 in Galati, Romania and won several National Championships titles.

Police said late on Thursday: "The teenager’s family have been informed and they are being supported by specially trained officers."

Superintendent Myra Ball said: “Sadly this is the second river death that we have seen this week in the county. This appears to be another tragic accident and our thoughts are with the boy’s family at this very difficult time.”