Police invesitgate schoolboy's death on canoeing trip » Communities » 24dash.com

The death of a promising schoolboy footballer in a canoeing accident was being probed today.

Stewart McEwan was killed after entering the River Usk in Brecon, Mid Wales on Saturday afternoon.

The 13-year-old, who had just been signed by Championship side Reading Football Club, was recovered and taken to hospital but later pronounced dead.

Stewart was from the Reading area had been on a week-long organised trip in Wales when the tragedy happened at around 3pm.

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, Stewart's unnamed parents said: "We are devastated by the loss of Stewart. He was a boy that grabbed life.

"He loved his sport and there wasn't one thing he didn't enjoy.

"We were very proud of all his sporting achievements, particularly when he was signed by Reading Football Club this year and would like to thank the coaching staff at Reading Academy for their kindness and support."

John Madejski, the club's chairman, added: "This is devastating news and our sincere condolences go to Stewart's family, who we will of course try to support in any possible way."

The club is to talk to the boy's parents about how they might pay tribute to him at the next first team game against Southampton this coming Saturday.

Police investigating the incident cordoned off two areas of the river about a mile east of Brecon town.

Chief Inspector Andy Twigger said officers were working to establish what happened.

He said: "The circumstances surrounding his death are still being established but Dyfed-Powys Police can confirm that he had entered the water.

"Stewart was airlifted to Hereford Hospital where he was pronounced dead."

A post-mortem examination had yet to be carried out last night.

Cllr David Meredith, who represents the St John ward on Powys County Council, said the river was very popular with canoeists and was normally "easy".

"It is a terrible tragedy," said Mr Meredith. "I just feel so much for the leaders of the group and also for the 10 or so other youngsters that were there as well.

"To witness what they witnessed is a sheer tragedy."

In addition to earlier comments, Maiden Erlegh School Headteacher, Peter Thomas would like to add: “Stewart was a key member of all our sport’s teams and was always willing to sacrifice his time in order to realise his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

“All this hard work was rewarded when he was signed, a few months ago, for Reading Football Club. From this moment Stewart had begun to live his dream. Stewart was a pupil who savoured every waking moment and relished all of life challenges.”