River Taff incident, Cardiff: Family tribute and photograph

The boy who died following an incident in the River Taff yesterday has been named as 13-year-old Aryan Ghoniya.

Aryan’s family has released a photograph and the following statement:

"The family is devastated by the tragic loss of  Aryan Ghoniya, beloved son of Jitendra and Hina and caring brother to Naviya.  We are extremely grateful to all the Emergency services for their efforts in the search for Aryan.  We are also grateful to the Police for their ongoing support. 

"We are touched by the support received from the community,  Danescourt Primary School and Radyr Comprehensive School, both of which he loved.  Our thanks also to the A & E staff at Heath hospital.

 "Aryan was our “Little Professor”, brilliant at Maths, an all-rounder academically.  He was very charming and caring boy with warm personality and was loved by all who knew him.

 "There will never be a day when we will not miss him, and he will remain in our hearts forever.

"We strongly urge all parents to explain to their children the danger of playing in rivers.  We do not wish any parents to go through the tragedy we are going through."

At 4.45pm yesterday (Tuesday June 21) a report was received of children in the River Taff near Forest Farm Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff and one boy was missing.

An extensive search was carried out by police, fire, ambulance, coastguard and the police helicopter.

Aryan was located in the river at around 5.45pm and, despite the efforts of the emergency services, he was unable to be resuscitated.

HM Coroner has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.